My all-time favourite quote:
“As you ramble on through life, whatever be your goal, keep your eye upon the doughnut and not upon the hole.”
Margaret Atwood
Margaret Atwood, the literary legend, feels like words are on the endangered species list!
She can’t recall a time when words have been more threatened. In her acceptance speech for the freedom to publish prize at the British Book Awards, or the Nibbies if you’re in the know, the 85-year-old author declared, “Words are our first-ever human gadget! They might seem like wispy air, but they pack the punch of a tidal wave.” She pointed out that the past decade’s spike in political and religious sparring is giving her serious 1930s and 40s déjà vu.
The Nibbies, hosted by The Bookseller, honour the crème de la crème of the book world.
This year, Percival Everett scooped up author of the year for his novel James, while Alexei Navalny’s Patriot snagged overall book of the year. His widow, Yulia Navalnaya, accepted the award, saying it’s a beacon of hope that truth and integrity still cut through the toughest barriers and touch hearts everywhere.
But what does it all mean?
As you ramble on through life, whatever be your goal, keep your eye upon the doughnut and not upon the hole.” I mused over its true essence, channelling my dad’s perspective.
Finally, it clicked: Prioritize substance over form.
Or as some folks might say: Focus on the doughnut, not the hole.
Translation: Appreciate what you have, not what’s missing.
Both are gems, but my dad, like his father and unlike chatty ol’ me, was a man of few words.
He’d watch me meticulously organize everything down to the colour-coded paperclips.
Substance over form: this wisdom fits so many life’s puzzles. Lately, it echoes in my writing journey.
As a writer, I’ve been trailing the “greats” to ace this gig. To avoid getting “lost in the sauce,” I aim to be relevant, helpful, and engaging. I’m here to sprinkle not just thoughts, but meaningful substance.
Thanks for the nudge, Dad!
