Children's Author, Kate Salley Palmer

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Author, Illustrator, And Former Political Cartoonist

I remember the first time I met Kate Salley Palmer. It was in the early 70's and we had a mutual friend. Both of these women were way ahead of the times and my friend told me about Kate's talents.

The early 70's were very much still a transitional time for the American woman. The term "balancing family and job" were practically unheard of. I consider Kate to be one of the pioneers for all women in America who want to pursue their dreams. Kate doesn't consider herself to be a pioneer. She says, If I had been working in a city up North, no one would have thought a thing about it by the 1970's. Things were still difficult for women in the workplace back then, but the pioneers were the women who entered the workforce before my time.

Kate Salley Palmer is married to Jim Palmer. Jim is from my hometown of Pendleton SC and was a high school friend of my sister, Joan aka Joan4 on Squidoo. The Palmers live in nearby Clemson, SC and have two grown children. Salley is Kate's maiden name so she is usually just called "Kate" but referred to professionally as "Kate Salley Palmer".

When Kate isn't writing or drawing, she is speaking to school children around South Carolina. Their son, James, is also an illustrator and writer. They have their own Publishing Company called Warbranch Press. Please visit their main website for more information.

I am proud to introduce to you the talented Palmer Family.

Kate Salley Palmer's Memoir

Growing Up Cartoonist in the Baby-Boom South

Kate writes about her childhood, her family, her adventures in Political Cartooning, and how she got where she is today - writing and illustrating her wonderful books. Her books are sometimes called "childrens books" but I am here to tell you that each and every one of them is for "all ages". I asked Kate about her Memoir: Kate says, "It took me 20 years to write this book. Mainly because I wrote it a little at a time. The writing was easy, the editing was hard. When Clemson decided to publish it, I had the chapters all done, mostly. But they weren't in any order. The paragraphs within the chapters needed to be more clearly organized. I had a great editor helping me whip it into shape, so I got lucky. I found this book to be a very enjoyable, interesting and educational read. It was great to get to learn more about Kate and her career and to see some of her political cartoons. Kate is a story teller and mighty good at it!

Note: I noticed that Amazon only has used copies of this book at this time but Jim Palmer said that they can be ordered from the Warbranch Press Website for $19.95

Growing Up Cartoonist in the Baby-boom South: A Memoir And Cartoon Retrospective

Amazon Price: $15.56 (as of 02/16/2012)Buy Now

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and learning more about Kate Salley Palmer. I think you will, too!

You can order it here from Amazon or from their website or locations around Clemson such as Hubbard and Young Pharmacy and Pendleton, South Carolina at Mountain Made.

Warbranch Press

Publishing Company of Jim and Kate Palmer

I asked Jim a few questions about their publishing company, Warbranch Press. According to their website, Warbranch Press is a small, independent publishing company founded in 1998 by author,
illustrator, and former political cartoonist Kate Salley Palmer and her husband,
retired Clemson University agronomy professor Jim Palmer,
to publish and distribute her books
for children and adults.


Email Interview with Jim Palmer:

1. Jim, you and Kate started Warbranch Press to publish Kate's wonderful books. Do you have any plans for publishing other author's works as well?
No, Kate has lots more stories that we could publish if the economy turns around and our books continue selling.

2. Where did you get the name and logo for Warbranch Press? The dog is "Pepper", our black lab that grew up with our kids here in Clemson. She's in Dog Heaven now and lived to be 15 years old. She was with us when we started Warbranch Press. Warbranch is the name of our neighborhood in Clemson.

3. Can you briefly tell me what all is involved in owning your own publishing company?
It's incorporated as a Subchapter S Company, and I always tell anyone interested in starting a business to have a good marketing plan, have a good product or service to sell, and then consult with an Attorney, a CPA and a trustworthy Banker. The Publishing Company idea is not for the weak of heart. It is very competitive. Anyone can write a book, get it printed and bound, but the selling part is the hard part. We are lucky because Kate is a good writer, artist, book designer, editor and she is very cheap.

4. I know at one time you tried having an office in Pendleton for Warbranch Press. Are you working in your home? If so, how is that working out to have both of you working from home? It is OK. The idea of an office out of the home is good for some folks, but I prefer to work in my little attic office. It helps our business overhead a lot. An office is nice in town, but there is rent, utilities, phone, fax line, etc. to worry about. At home, you can work for 30 minutes and then go for a walk and then return to work - all within an hour or so. Also, Kate is always in a different part of the house watching TV, reading a book, doing her artwork, etc., so we never really get in each others way at all. She does all the things I can't or don't want to do, and I do likewise with the business - It has worked out well for 10 years!

5. With a successful wife and son, do you ever think about writing your own book? Yes, I am thinking about a picture book with real photographs about South Carolina Agriculture - something I know something about. Our teachers really need this and have asked for it. I already have a bank of photographs, and maybe will work on it some this Spring and Summer.

Warbranch Press Contact Information:

Contact Information
Address: 329 Warbranch Road
Central, SC 29630
Phone: (864) 654-4503
Fax: (864) 654-0455
Mobile: (864) 650-6180
E-mail: jhpalmer42@aol.com
Website: Warbranch Press Website

A Gracious Plenty

Written and Illustrated by Kate Salley Palmer

I just love this book. Kate's characters always remind me of someone and this one reminds me of an Aunt that I loved so much.

A Gracious Plenty

Amazon Price: $8.95 (as of 02/16/2012)Buy Now

This book is definitely a keepsake and one to be shared for generations.

A Friend Reads "A Gracious Plenty" by Kate Salley Palmer

Does Aunt Mae remind you of someone in your life? Listen to this story and view the wonderful illustrations. Kate really has a way of making her characters come to life. I appreciate my friend taking the time to read this wonderful story to us. I hope you enjoy and oh, if you want to Check Out My Handy Flip Ultra Camcorder Just Click This Link!

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Email Interview With Kate Salley Palmer

Thank you, Kate!

Kate, your illustrations are wonderful. I love that most people can probably identify with them. I know when I read "Gracious Plenty", I plainly saw an aunt of mine. Do you ever do any art other than cartoons or are you completely fulfilled to do those?

Nancy, it seems that everything I do comes out looking like a cartoon! That has been a stumbling block with many of my illustrated books. Sure, "The Pink House" may have worked kind of cartoony, but my Revolutionary War nonfiction storybooks real need better, more serious art. That is why it was so lucky for us that our son, James, was available to illustrate "Francis Marion and the Legend of the Swamp Fox."

I did do one painting of my sister, Margaret, in the 1970's that is really good. I don't know if I could still paint like that. I was doing a lot of more serious art back then, trying to be a "real" artist. I'd like to get back to that someday soon. It was fun.


I also asked Kate if she would have done anything differently as far as balancing her career and her family. Kate said, As far as parenting is concerned, I may wish I had done things differently, but it would have been impossible for me to have done them any other way. Like the drunk who got arrested by the police and said later: "I knew I had the RIGHT to remain silent, but I didn't have the ABILITY."

The Pink House

Illustrated and Written by Kate Salley Palmer

I almost wrote that this was my favorite book by Kate but it seems that I say that about each and every one of them. This is special to me because we love Edisto Beach so much and that is where "The Pink House" takes place.

The Pink House

Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 02/16/2012)Buy Now

A friend of mine even gave me a shirt that has the cover to The Pink House on it.

The Little Chairs

Written and Illustrated by Kate Salley Palmer

The Little Chairs

Amazon Price: $5.95 (as of 02/16/2012)Buy Now

Kate, the Political Cartoonist

Before Kate began to write her books, she was a well known Political Cartoonist. I asked Kate what advice she would give to someone who would like to become a Political Cartoonist and this was her reply:

My advice for anyone wanting to be a political cartoonist would be to visit the Association of Editorial Cartoonist's website. The reason I say this is that although I have advice on the topic, my colleagues have written extensively about it!

So many political cartoonists have lost their jobs in the last 10 years -- it's accelerated in the last 2 or 3 -- that the job as an actual JOB is disappearing. Many of the cartoonists who lost their jobs were very well-known and well-respected - some even won Pulitzer Prizes!

The newspaper business is undergoing a major change in this day of the Internet. Many papers are cutting back on circulation, letting writers and artists go, and at least one (The Christian Science Monitor) has ceased producing a hard copy entirely - they are 100% digital, and available only on the Web.

Cartoonists are scrambling to earn a living by serving more than one outlet. The most recent writing available on this is by my friend, Steve Greenburg. His article talks about the state of cartooning today. Disappearing Ink-Hope for Editorial Cartoonists By Steve Greenburg 01/22/2009

I think anyone who wants to do cartoons now should get on Facebook, MySpace, all the free social networking sites - also get a website and keep it updated. The cartoonist should do cartoons everyday. Upload as many as possible to as many sites as he has access to. Communicate with others in the field of cartooning, in journalism, in the blogosphere, etc. Just get as much of his work to as many outlets as he can.

Of course, the first step is to do great cartoons so that when others see them, the cartoons will sell themselves.

One of Kate's Political Cartoons from Christmas 08 

Another Political Cartoon by Kate Salley Palmer - Christmas 02 

How Do You Feel About The Decline of The Printed Newspaper

Please Tell Me What You think and Then Continue Reading This Lens.

The "Duel Module" is a chance for the Squidoo Community to tell how they think. In this case, I am inviting all readers to participate in the "duel" and I hope you will. I really want to know your thoughts on this subject.

Kate used to be a Political Cartoonist and when I asked her to give her advice to anyone who wanted to be a Political Cartoonist, she talked about the decline of the printed newspaper.

I always have a fear that readers will stop after they enter a comment in the Duel Module so hope you will continue to read this lens as I show more of Kate's Books as well as the books that their son has illustrated.

Thank you!

What Do You Think Of The Decline Of The Printed Newspaper?

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I would rather read the news on the Internet.

Michey says:

Actually I like both ways, but I have to recognize that having all I need on Internet is handy, and if I am interested in a topic, with a couple of clicks I do research on the spot and in minutes find out more facts... what we can do with a paper on our hands is limited...

FunGifts4All says:

I usually read on the internet, but every once in awhile pick up a paper.

papawu says:

I'm kind of mixed on this issue. It would definitely be an ecological coup if the newspaper were eliminated. However, the "newspaper" is an institution in itself. People have faithfully paid for and read newspapers for centuries and many have gained fame and fortune through them. I just don't know.

Tipi says:

I'm not real big on reading the news, but I prefer the internet over a newspaper.

aj2008 says:

We stopped having a paper delivered because we kept forgetting to pay the bill & by the time we remembered it was huge! Not having a paper means that I can pick and choose whether I can face hearing the news & my hubby & I actually chat at breakfast these days because no one has their head buried in the paper!

I want to hold my paper in my hands and read it.

Pukeko says:

I like the internet for certain things, but my daily news comes on paper.

Marijoyce says:

I work a lot on the Internet, but I can't imagine drinking my
morning coffee while reading the Internet. I love the
sound and feel of the newspaper. Printed newspapers are
declining but when they do, and if all do, there will be
many many of us who miss them.

texasshutterbug says:

I still like having to fold the newspaper and put it inside my backpack and then opening it up and reading the news. Sadly many newspaper companies will have to adapt to online news writing if they want to survive.

Still I think newspapers have their place.

mbrownauthor says:

Give me the newspaper, baby!

Joan4 says:

I do have to work my puzzle every day, don't I? I thought that was a requirement. Tho I do know now that crosswords can be downloaded on line too. I will be sad to see the paper go, but we are fast moving toward a paperless society.

sittonbull says:

I like to skim the paper 1st thing in the a.m. with coffee... and then I may take it to the "reading room" for further perusal. Like so many things we grew up with, I'm afraid the news will all be electronic or some type of mental download soon!

OhMe says:

I think it would be a sad day when we no longer have the printed newspaper. It is a part of our heritage and a long time tradition. Besides, I like to work my puzzles every morning.

 

Palmetto - Symbol of Courage

Written and Illustrated by Kate Salley Palmer

This should be in every 3rd grade classroom in the state of South Carolina.

Palmetto - Symbol of Courage

Amazon Price: $9.30 (as of 02/16/2012)Buy Now

South Carolina Adults and Children will enjoy this book

Palmetto - Symbol of Courage Is Featured On My Lens, South Carolina State Symbols

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What Is Kate Salley Palmer Working On Now?

I asked Kate what she was currently working on and this is what she answered:

Right now, I am working on a number of things. I'm supposed to be illustrating a book by an Aiken Equine Vet, and I'm also writing and illustrating a book for the new Greenville Children's Museum.

In addition, I've been doing research for a prospective book about the Native Americans of South Carolina. Another picture book (called "Don't Slam The Door!") is almost ready to go. All I need to do is color the art.

I am also procrastinating. I had a couple of novels started, but I can't seem to get back to them. The first chapter of one of them won a South Carolina Fiction Project Award from the SC Art Association in the late 90's. I'm thinking that maybe when it comes to novels, I can write pretty good chapters, but I really don't know where to go after that.

I spend a lot of time watching the news, and on the computer and iPhone, too. (It seems to me, reading all this, that I should get up and DO something!)


Whatever Kate comes up with next will certainly be something worth reading. I am looking forward to her next creation.

James H. Palmer, Junior

Writer and Illustrator

James H. Palmer, Junior is the son of Kate and Jim Palmer and is also a writer and illustrator. James gave me permission to copy the following from his bio on his website:

James has been working in a variety of graphics and art-related fields since graduating from Clemson University in 1993. After moving to Atlanta in 1999, James decided to focus primarily on illustration. His work has been featured in many area publications including Creative Loafing, Business to Business, Catalyst Magazine, and Atlanta Magazine just to name a few. In 2004, his illustrations were featured prominently in the SCETV documentary production of Chasing the Swamp Fox-a documentary about South Carolina's Revolutionary War history.

As an illustrator, James believes it is his responsibility to visually engage his audience-to transport them into a completely new world. His work has a breadth of style that is as diverse as are his interests.

Francis Marion And The Legend of The Swamp Fox

Written by Kate Salley Palmer and Illustrated by James H. Palmer, Jr.

Francis Marion and the Legend of the Swamp Fox

Amazon Price: $11.95 (as of 02/15/2012)Buy Now

Almost Invisible - Black Patriots Of The American Revolution

Almost Invisible - Black Patriots of the American Revolution

Amazon Price: $9.87 (as of 02/15/2012)Buy Now

Congratulations, Kate

I received this email from Jim Palmer on 5/22/09

Hi Friends - We recently received news that Kate's new book (it's been out for only 9 months), Almost Invisible - Black Patriots of the American Revolution, is a finalist for the 2009 SIBA (Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance) Children's Book Award. We're very excited that this book is one of three being considered for SIBA's top award, and Kate and I wanted to share this with you. The results will be announced in early July, and the SIBA Annual Meeting will be in Greenville in late September. If you want to know more about SIBA and their book awards go to their website. Hope everyone is having a wonderful spring season! Jim Palmer Warbranch Press

A Special Thanks To Kate, Jim, and James

Kate, Jim, and James have been so very helpful with this lens and I greatly appreciate their willingness to answer my questions and provide me with pictures. I told them that it was easy to promote something that you loved and I do love Kate's books.

Thank you, Palmer Family, for allowing me to publish this lens. I hope you are pleased with the outcome.

Face Book Responses To My Posting This Link

from Kate and her sister, Margaret

Kate Salley Palmer wrote on FaceBook
Hi, Nancy--I finally got a chance to read what you wrote about me and Warbranch Press. Thanks for a job well done--and thanks for quoting me correctly!!

Kate's sister, Margaret Salley Harrison, wrote on FaceBook
very nicely written about my sister...i am so proud.

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I have every one of Kate Salley Palmer's books and love them.
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Illustrated by Kate Salley Palmer 

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Upstairs

Amazon Price: $4.99 (as of 02/16/2012)Buy Now

Illustrated by Kate Salley Palmer 

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Night of the Five Aunties

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Illustrated by Kate Salley Palmer 

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How Many Feet in the Bed?

Amazon Price: $2.92 (as of 02/16/2012)Buy Now