An Interview with Cindy Fortunato, Author of Sammy’s Adventures in Ocean City, NJ
By Bobbi Carducci
Welcome Cindy!
1. What inspired you to write Sammy’s Adventures in Ocean City, NJ? Did you go there as a child?
Yes, for many years my Grandparents took my family to the Flanders, a very old Hotel in OC. I have great memories of riding the rides. To me OC is much more than a physical destination; it’s a state of mind. I just love all of its beauty and excitement, and thought a children’s book would be a great souvenior of this wonderful vacation spot.
2. What is your favorite treat to enjoy at the beach? Do you like to go on the rides?
Monkey bread, curly fries and ice cream sundaes at the Hobby Horse have become my favorites in OC. I LOVE to go on the rides, especially the swings.
3. How long did it take you to write your book?
It didn’t take me too long to write the story—a few hours—but to create the book with artwork it took close to 4 years.
4. When did you first become interested in writing?
I loved to write as a child. When we were about 10, Amy, the Illustrator and I, created a children’s book called Rascal Goes to the Olympics for fun. I always wrote in journals.
5. Why did you choose a monkey as the protagonist (hero or central character?)
Monkeys are so cute and animated, and a monkey visits the Market Day carnivals in Ocean City occasionally (which is where Sammy is going to perform).
6. In the book, Sammy gets separated from his mother and she is very worried about him. Does Sammy have any advice for young people if that ever happens to them?
This can be very scary. If there are any adults who you know where you are, tell them you can’t find your parents. If not, look for someone in a uniform like a policeman and explain to them what happened.
7. I see that a portion of the money from the sale of your book goes to The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. What is Cystic Fibrosis and why is this cause so important to you?
Cystic Fibrosis is a life-threatening genetic disease that affects both the lungs and the digestive system. About 30,000 children and adults in the US have this disease. On the outside, most people look and act like there’s nothing wrong but it requires hours of treatments and taking many pills/antibiotics daily. My 4 year old, Amelia, has CF, and I do everything I can to promote awareness and fundraising for this disease. We’re all trying to make CF stand for “Cure Found.”
8. Will you write any more books about Sammy and his adventures?
We would love to take Sammy on another adventure and would love to hear any suggestions.
9. Do you have anything more you’d like to say to readers about you or your book?
I’m so glad I fulfilled a dream and believe strongly that it’s important to have one to follow. It’s what life is about. I love the saying “Shoot for the Moon and you may just land on a star.” Thanks to all who have purchased the book; I hope it helps you to relive many great vacation memories,especially the scratch and sniff stickers! They’re my favorite part of the book.
