Sue Tabashnik published her newest (fourth) book Patsy Swayze: Every Day, A Chance to Dance in July 2022. This book celebrates and honors Patsy Swayze who was an icon in the dance and performing arts world for decades; including being the first dance teacher and mentor for her beloved son, Patrick Swayze.
Tabashnik’s third book PATRICK SWAYZE The Dreamer published in September 2017. This book presents how Swayze’s focus on dreams for himself and others sustained him and guided him to live a zest-filled life even while dealing with great adversity. Her earlier two unique Dirty Dancing tribute books are The Fans’ Love Story: How the Movie DIRTY DANCING Captured the Hearts of Millions! (July 2010) and The Fans’ Love Story ENCORE: How the Movie DIRTY DANCING Captured the Hearts of Millions! (December 2013).
She has been an avid fan of Patrick Swayze since 1988. She was an active member of the Official Patrick Swayze International Fan Club from 2000–2010, which included writing numerous articles for the club magazine. She had the good fortune to meet Patrick Swayze several times at movie screenings and benefit events from 2002–2004, which led her to become an even bigger fan. She also had the pleasure of meeting up with Patsy and Patrick at fan events at the premiere of One Last Dance in 2003 in Houston, Texas.
Tabashnik was Special Guest Speaker at The Dirty Dancing Festival at Lake Lure, NC August 2018.
Tabashnik worked as a master’s level social worker from 1977-2022. She has lived most of her life in the Detroit area.
In memory of her grandmother, Leah Tabashnik, and Patrick Swayze:
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the first three books will continue to be donated to the Patrick Swayze Pancreas Cancer Research Fund at the Stanford Cancer Institute.
Patsy Swayze: Every Day, A Chance to Dance
This book honors and celebrates Patsy Swayze, mother and first dance teacher of megastar Patrick Swayze. She was an icon in the dance and performing arts world for decades as a dancer, teacher, mentor, and choreographer. She taught and inspired thousands of students, not only lessons in the performing arts, but also life-lessons. She was also a trailblazer in breaking down racial barriers in her dance studios in Houston, Texas. Among many other feats, she founded the Houston Jazz Ballet, taught at the University of Houston, and choreographed Hollywood movies.
There are twenty-nine fascinating interviews and sixty-four photos, most in color and rarely-seen. There are many exclusive stories and photos of Patsy and Patrick.
How do you ensure the information for your nonfiction books is accurate and up to date?
I continually research topics on the internet and also clarify information with the interviewees in the book and/or other contacts. A trick I learned is that it is important to put the date that the interview was conducted.
What does literary success look like to you?
Literacy success to me is that the readers report that in some way they were touched and/or changed by the book.
Do you outline your books beforehand? Why or why not?
I make a general outline so that I have a picture of what the book will be.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned while writing?
What are some publishing tips?
I have learned that I need to write about a subject that I am passionate about.
Regarding publishing tips, there are certain times of the year that are better for publishing. I learned that for self-publishing I am happy to hire a book designer, editor, and attorney rather than go to a self-publishing company.
How do you make non-fiction exciting and engaging while still being informative?
My style is to have interviews and tributes in my books from a wide variety of people. I use humor to balance the serious topics which many times evoke strong emotions.
What is your favorite part of writing?
I love the feeling of “being in the zone” where everything just comes together- it is almost like the words are coming from somewhere else.
I also love connecting with people who are interviewees or contacts for the book.
Was this topic suggested, or was it something you were already interested in?
This topic was all my own idea.
What other types of research did you need to do for this book?
I also researched topics after the interview to check out what the subject had said and to see if I needed to add any information or clarification.
Who will this book appeal to? What age range would you recommend it for?
This book will appeal to anyone interested in Patsy Swayze, Patrick Swayze, dance, the performing arts, a biography, or an inspirational story. Age range would be high school students to older adults.
What is your next project?
I am exploring various options.
Talk a little bit about yourself. What is your background? What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I never took any formal writing classes. I did learn quite a bit from a previous editor. However, I developed my own style all on my own. I got my official start as a writer by writing articles for the quarterly Official Patrick Swayze International Fan Club. I decided to write my first book due to being inspired by Patrick Swayze to follow my dream. He was such a passionate and inspirational person.
Do you have a favorite book – fiction or non-fiction? How about one of your own?
My favorite book that I wrote is PATRICK SWAYZE The Dreamer (2017).
Do you have an author website or other platform where readers can find more information about you and your books?
Author website: https://www.likedirtydancing.com
Book Genre
Biography. Performing Arts. Dance.
Appropriate age for readers
15 yr old to 100 yr old
Website URL
https://www.likedirtydancing.com
Social Media Links
Two Facebook pages
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susan.tabashnik/
Facebook:The Fans’ Love Story: ‘Dirty Dancing’ Captured The Hearts Of Millions – Home | Facebook
Book Purchase Links
Author website: https:www.likedirtydancing.com
Amazon:
