Writer Sue Tabashnik chats with me about her performing arts biography, PATRICK SWAYZE Still Inspiring!
Bio:
Sue Tabashnikis a critically acclaimed author of five books about Patrick Swayze, Patsy Swayze, and the movie Dirty Dancing. She became an avid fan of Patrick Swayze in 1988. She was a very 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 and some of his family at movie screenings and benefit events, and this changed her life forever.
Sue has interviewed or talked with hundreds of people connected to Patrick Swayze and has done extensive media research. She was the special guest speaker at the Dirty Dancing Festival in Lake Lure, North Carolina in 2018 and has done multiple radio shows and podcasts. Several of her books have received awards, most recently Patsy Swayze: Every Day, A Chance to Dance won first place in the performing arts category in the 2024 Book Excellence Awards.
Sue worked as a master’s level social worker from 1977-2022, which included conducting thousands of interviews. She has lived most of her life in the Detroit area.
Welcome, Sue. Please tell us about your current release.
This inspiring collection compiles memories, stories, and tributes from colleagues in the entertainment industry, friends, Arabian horse enthusiasts, and fans. Their stories will entertain and move you as they pay homage to a man who not only was an immensely talented performer, but also a man of character and spirituality.
There are forty-four contributors who share exclusive information and photos. Patrick’s own words open each chapter.
The book was written to help preserve Patrick’s phenomenal legacy.
What inspired you to write this book?
I knew that many, many people still miss Patrick. I thought that there was more of a story to tell.
What exciting project are you working on next?
I am thinking about several projects, but I have not made a decision about which project to pursue.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I first considered myself a writer when I wrote multiple articles for the Official Patrick Swayze International Fan club magazine.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I enjoy writing late at night when it is quiet.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a Broadway screenwriter.
Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
This book would be enjoyed by fans of Patrick Swayze and by people who enjoy books about the performing arts, Biographies, and inspirational stories.
A review by Timothy Linh Bui, Director, Writer of Green Dragon and Powder Blue, movies that Patrickstarred in:
“Thanks to Sue Tabashnik, the memory of someone as beautiful inside and out as Patrick Swayze will never fade. You have given us all a gift to cherish and hold dear for years to come. I’m inspired.
Let’s go Swayze!!
Lisa,
Thank you so much for the interview. I look forward to any comments or questions.
Sue