Crossword Genius

To the writer this is of absorbing significance (8,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

blotting paper

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'to the writer this is' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'absorbing significance' is the wordplay.
'absorbing' becomes 'blotting' (blotting is a kind of absorbing).
'significance' becomes 'paper' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'blotting'+'paper'='BLOTTING-PAPER'

'of' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for blotting paper that I've seen before include "Ink soaker-upper" , "It absorbs ink" , "Absorber of ink" , "Ink-drying material" , "Ink drier" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News.
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