Puzzled by writer at sea (9)
I believe the answer is:
perplexed
This clue might be a double definition.
'puzzled by writer' is the first definition.
'perplexed' can be an answer for 'puzzled' ('perplex' can be a synonym of 'puzzle'). I am not certain of the 'by writer' bit.
'at sea' is the second definition.
('perplexed' can be similar in meaning to 'at sea')
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for perplexed that I've seen before include "Puzzled" , "Discombobulated" , "Baffled" , "Bewildered" .)