Interview With Author Sue Tabashnik
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
As a young girl, I dreamed of being a Broadway writer and I was an avid reader. At one point, I had read all of the books in the children’s section of my library in Detroit, Michigan. I dabbled in writing in college. I received a master’s degree in Social Work in 1977. I never took any formal classes in writing. I worked as a master’s level social worker from July 1977-May 2022, including specializing in ER psychiatric social work for over thirty-six years.
I have written four books:
Patsy Swayze: Every Day, A Chance to Dance (2022)
PATRICK SWAYZE The Dreamer (2017)
The Fans’ Love Story ENCORE: How the Movie DIRTY DANCING Captured the Hearts of Millions! (2013)
The Fans’ Love Story: How the Movie DIRTY DANCING Captured the Hearts of Millions! (2010)
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Patsy Swayze: Every Day, A Chance to Dance (July 2022)
I became an avid fan of Patrick Swayze in 1988 after the release of the movie Dirty Dancing. Little did I know that I would end up meeting Patrick four times at benefit and movie events (from 2002-2004). I was a member of the Official Patrick Swayze International Fan Club. After meeting Patrick the first time in Detroit at a benefit for Complexions Contemporary Ballet, I was asked to write a story for the club’s quarterly magazine which Patrick and his wife Lisa read. I ended up writing numerous articles for the magazine. I was ultimately inspired to write my first book after I met Patrick in Houston, Texas in 2003 at the premiere of One Last Dance which is a movie done by Patrick and Lisa that focuses on people making their dreams come true.
Patrick was such a passionate person and really believed in people following their dreams, which is the theme of my third book PATRICK SWAYZE The Dreamer. As Patrick said, “I think we all need to remember that dreams are the fabric of the future and if you believe in those dreams, you can make them happen or re-discover an old dream.” “You’re only on this planet for so long. Go for it now.” So after my smashing, inspiring encounter with Patrick in Houston, I decided to write my first book and go for it!
I also had the great pleasure of meeting Patsy Swayze, mother of Patrick (known as Buddy to family and friends) at that same event in Houston in 2002. When I met Patsy and spoke to her briefly at the reception for One Last Dance, I was really impressed by her. She just had this charisma and was very welcoming. And to top it off, when Patsy and Patrick came on the tour bus to meet with us fans for about an hour to answer our questions, I was just amazed at the fun-filled and easy banter between Patsy and Patrick and their concern for the fans. I knew that Patsy was a dance teacher (including being Patrick’s first teacher), a choreographer, and a member of the Silver Foxes (parents of celebrities who promote senior fitness). I wanted to learn more about her. I searched the internet, but sad to say, I did not find that much information.
The years passed and I wrote my two unique tribute books on the movie Dirty Dancing: The Fans’ Love Story: How the Movie DIRTY DANCING Captured the Hearts of Millions! (2010) and The Fans’ Love Story ENCORE: How the Movie DIRTY DANCING Captured the Hearts of MIllions! (2013). Then I wrote the biography PATRICK SWAYZE The Dreamer (2017).
It seemed only fitting to write a book on Patsy Swayze. I really wanted to find out from the people who knew her: former students, colleagues, friends, and family what Patsy was all about in terms of her career and her relationship with others, including her beloved son Patrick. I was just bowled over to have so many people grant interviews (twenty-nine) and to find so many photos (sixty-four) that had rarely been seen. I had the opportunity to interview quite a variety of people including Jaclyn Smith (former student of Patsy and known for “Charlie’s Angels”), Patrick’s bodyguard, Broadway performers, an actress from the film Urban Cowboy, ballet dancers, and on and on.
The end result is that this book Patsy Swayze: Every Day, A Chance to Dance honors and celebrates Patsy Swayze. It is the only place that you will find detailed information about Patsy’s life; which includes that she was an icon in the dance and performing arts world for decades as a dancer, teacher, mentor, and choreographer. There are many exclusive stories about Patsy and Patrick. With all of her dance accomplishments, Patsy valued family and thought her greatest achievement was being the mother of her five children.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Sometimes I like to write late at night and into the next day. I find it very peaceful and I can concentrate really well.
What are you working on now?
I am marketing my latest book. I am exploring ideas for a new book.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon: Patsy Swayze: Every Day, A Chance to Dance: Sue Tabashnik: 9780989408660: Amazon.com: Books
Author website: https://www.likedirtydancing.com
I have two facebook pages and I am an active member on the SWAYZE facebook page.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Find something you are passionate about. Spend time researching and networking to learn about publishing.
What are you reading now?
The Wind at My Back by Misty Copeland with Susan Fales-Hill
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am exploring ideas for a new book.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Author Websites and Profiles
Sue Tabashnik Author Profile on Smashwords
Sue Tabashnik’s Social Media Links
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