"You do it a day at a time. You write as well as you can, you put it in the mail, you leave it under submission, you never leave it at home"

James Lee Burke’s words illuminate the discipline and perseverance required in the craft of writing. The process unfolds one day at a time, focusing on manageable increments rather than being overwhelmed by the magnitude of a full manuscript or the ultimate goal of publication. By emphasizing writing as well as you can, Burke underscores the necessity of dedication to quality in every session. There is a tacit acceptance that perfection is unattainable, yet striving for excellence every day is essential.

Sending off your work, putting it in the mail, is a tangible act of commitment. It is an act of faith in your effort and the courage to share your ideas with the world. It also signals the moment when the writer relinquishes control over the work’s fate, entrusting its reception to editors and readers. This step is crucial; without submitting, the work remains only a private exercise, never fulfilling its potential or reaching its audience.

Leaving your work under submission, rather than at home, reflects persistence. Rejection becomes part of the journey, but submitting and resubmitting separates professionals from hobbyists. The phrase “never leave it at home” challenges writers to overcome inertia, perfectionism, and the fear of failure. It urges an outward orientation: creative work should reach beyond its origin; it is meant to encounter the world, not gather dust in a drawer or a hard drive folder. Each submission, regardless of outcome, builds resilience and hones a writer’s craft.

Burke’s approach prizes daily labor, courage, and interaction with the publishing world. Writing is not solely an act of creation; it is an ongoing practice of vulnerability, tenacity, and growth. For aspiring writers, these words are a reminder that progress hinges on doing the work, embracing feedback, and continuously sending their voice into the world.