It has a shaky reputation as a writer (5)

I believe the answer is:

aspen

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'it has a shaky reputation' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'as a writer' is the wordplay.
'a writer' becomes 'pen' (something which writes).
'as'+'pen'='ASPEN'

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(Other definitions for aspen that I've seen before include "The tree that shivers in the slightest wind" , "Colorado ski resort - tree" , "Trembler" , "Colorado winter sports town" , "quill-like?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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