From Burnout to Bestseller: Carley Fortune’s Journey to Becoming Canada’s Summer Romance Sensation
Carley Fortune, a former journalist, transformed her career during the pandemic, leading to the creation of her bestselling novel, Every Summer After. Initially, Fortune had no intention of publishing the book, but it has since become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring a television adaptation titled Every Year After.
The Genesis of a Bestseller
Carley Fortune spent 15 years in journalism, culminating in her role as the head of Refinery29 Canada. However, the onset of the pandemic left her feeling burnt out and frustrated. The acquisition of her publication by Vice Media Group added to her stress, leading her to a pivotal moment of self-reflection. Fortune recalled a particularly challenging call where she felt compelled to advocate for her team, ultimately deciding to pursue a creative outlet.
In that moment, she vowed to write a book by the end of the year, realizing she had not engaged in any personal creative endeavors as an adult. This commitment led her to rise early each day to write, drawing inspiration from her childhood journals. Within four months, she completed the manuscript for Every Summer After, which she initially did not plan to publish.
A Journey to Adaptation
Fast forward to 2026, and Every Summer After has not only become a bestseller but also a successful television series on Prime Video. The adaptation, now titled Every Year After, recently concluded its first season. Fortune expressed her initial skepticism about the adaptation process, noting that many books are optioned but never make it to screen.
Despite the challenges, the rights to her novel were sold to Amazon in the summer of 2022. The project endured a writer’s strike and several changes before finally receiving the green light. Fortune noted that the project began to gain momentum when showrunner Amy B. Harris joined the team. Harris’s passion for the book and her vision for the adaptation resonated with Fortune, who felt that the essence of the story remained intact.
Maintaining the Canadian Essence
A crucial element for Fortune was the preservation of the novel’s Canadian setting. Every Summer After is set in Barry’s Bay, Ontario, where Fortune grew up. The narrative follows the characters Percy and Sam as they navigate their evolving relationship over six summers. An earlier version of the pilot script had relocated the story to Barry’s Bend, Wisconsin, but Fortune was adamant that it remain in Canada, emphasizing its significance to Canadian readers.
Fortune also insisted that the character of Sam’s mother, Sue, be portrayed as Canadian. This decision led to discussions about casting Elisha Cuthbert, whom Fortune felt was a perfect fit for the role, as they are of the same age and she had grown up watching her work.
The Impact of Writing
Fortune described Every Summer After as a transformative experience, likening it to a “personality transplant.” The process of writing reignited her passion for storytelling, especially as she felt she was nearing the end of her journalism career.
After signing a two-book deal, she began working on her second novel, Meet Me at the Lake, shortly after the release of Every Summer After. Fortune faced new challenges, including postpartum mental health struggles, which complicated her writing process. She had to rewrite significant portions of the manuscript, a stark contrast to the brief editing period for her first book.
Future Endeavors
Fortune has established a rhythm of releasing a book annually, with recent titles including This Summer Will Be Different and Our Golden Summer, a follow-up centered around the character Charlie. Recently, she and the cast of Every Year After announced the show’s renewal for a second season at the Obsessed Fest event, which will adapt Our Golden Summer.
Currently, Fortune is preparing for the adaptation of This Summer Will Be Different, set to begin filming on Prince Edward Island. She has partnered with Netflix Canada for this project, aiming to create Canadian content that resonates globally. Fortune expressed her excitement about collaborating with the Netflix team, whose vision aligns with her own.
Celebrating Canadian Settings
Fortune’s narratives often highlight picturesque Canadian locations, a theme she cherishes. The setting of Prince Edward Island for This Summer Will Be Different holds special significance for her, as she is a longtime fan of Anne of Green Gables. She finds joy in portraying contemporary stories against the backdrop of these iconic locations, noting that her work has inspired fans to visit the places she writes about.
Fortune’s family history in Barry’s Bay, where they operated an inn and restaurant, adds a personal touch to her storytelling. She aims to evoke a sense of nostalgia and connection to place in her narratives, emphasizing that her stories are not just about romance but also about the significance of the settings in her characters’ lives.
As reported by www.hollywoodreporter.com.
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Published on 2026-07-02 00:06:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk