Naturally they have a shaky reputation as writers (6)
I believe the answer is:
aspens
'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'
Can you help me to learn more?
(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" .)