He showed some cleverness as a writer (5)

I believe the answer is:

verne

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'writer' is the definition.
(Jules Verne, 1828-1905)

'he showed some cleverness as a' is the wordplay.
'VERNE' is hidden in amongst the letters.
However, I am uncertain how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for verne that I've seen before include "Jules --, French writer" , "See 27 Across" , "Jules --, French author" , "See 14 Across" , "French novelist" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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