Carley Fortune, the New York Times-bestselling Canadian author, is experiencing an unprecedented level of activity in her career. Her latest novel, Our Perfect Storm, has just been released, and the highly anticipated Amazon Prime Video series adaptation of her popular bestseller Every Summer After — now titled Every Year After — is set to premiere on June 10.
Overwhelmed but Excited
"It's very overwhelming. But it's, of course, very exciting," said Fortune, who has been finalizing the first draft of her next book before embarking on the Our Perfect Storm book tour. "I've never been so busy in my life."
The Toronto-based writer, whose first four novels have sold approximately 4.5 million copies, remains tight-lipped about her sixth book, only confirming it will be released in 2027.
Book Tour Across Canada
After numerous sold-out events on the East Coast of the United States, Fortune began the Canadian leg of her tour in Toronto on May 13. She will travel across the country before concluding on August 15 in Barry's Bay, Ontario, her hometown and the setting for Every Summer After and One Golden Summer.
"One thing I hear time and time again (from readers) is that my books got them either into reading or back to reading. It's been said so many times that even booksellers comment on it too," said Fortune, who finds meeting readers on tour helps balance the solitary nature of writing. "The audience is very joyful, and it feels like a celebration. I think that's something quite special."
Canadian Settings as a Signature
Fortune often hears appreciation from readers for setting her romantic tales in distinctly Canadian locations, such as rural Ontario and Prince Edward Island. Our Perfect Storm adds Tofino on Vancouver Island to her literary map.
"(Canadian) readers thank me for setting my books here over and over again. And then, outside of Canada, people tell me about the trips they want to take to Canada, or the trips that they've taken," said Fortune. "I think it's the thing that sets my books apart are these transportive settings. And I think it's one of the top reasons readers love it. Whether you've heard of these places or not, and whether you've been to them or not, you find yourself there."
Location First in Her Writing Process
For Fortune, location is paramount. "Every book has started with the setting first. Ideas grow out of the setting," she explained. "I just love trying to capture these places. I think it's one of the things I love best as a writer. I love trying to bring people there with me, so that you could be reading in your apartment, but still feel like you're standing on the beach in Tofino."
"I really want you to feel like you're snooping on real people. And I think, when you can really see those people in a place, it helps tremendously."
About 'Our Perfect Storm'
In Our Perfect Storm, Fortune begins her story in a small rural Ontario waterfront town with characters Frankie and George. Friends since they were eight, Frankie and George experience typical relationship ups and downs but usually find their way back to each other. A lengthy estrangement leaves Frankie, on the eve of her wedding, wondering if George will show up to fulfill his best man duties.
