Naturally they have a shaky reputation as writers (6)

I believe the answer is:

aspens

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'naturally they have a shaky reputation' is the definition.
The definition suggests an adverb but the answer is not.

'as writers' is the wordplay.
'writers' becomes 'pens' (writing implements).
'as'+'pens'='ASPENS'

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(Other definitions for aspens that I've seen before include "The leaves of the trees flutter in the slightest breeze" , "Trembling poplars" , "Species of poplars with leaves that quiver" , "Poplar trees that shiver in the wind" , "Trembling trees" .)

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

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