From Screen to Page: Creating Red's Untold Tale

Once Upon A Fan Editor Gareth Hughes spoke with author Wendy Toliver about the challenges of bringing the world of Once Upon A Time to the written page with the first original OUAT Novel, 'Red's Untold Tale'.

How did the opportunity to write an original novel for Once Upon A Time come about? 

My literary agent asked if I was a fan of OUAT, and when I told her I was a huge fan, she asked if I’d like her to “put my name in the hat” for an opportunity to write a novel that would give greater insight into the popular and beloved character, Red (Ruby). Many emails and phone calls later, I was informed that the involved parties from Disney, ABC-TV, and OUAT liked my ideas about what Red was like as a teenager. They placed a crown upon my head and told me I was the chosen one. I’m just kidding about the crown, but I was so excited and honored; it felt like that!

When it comes to the central plot of the novel, were you given free rein on the story or were specific guidelines given from the producers that had to be followed? 

I had creative freedom for the story, with a deep curtsey to the character and world created by Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz. At the very beginning, I submitted an outline so there’d be no big surprises. Naturally, everything had to work cohesively and be in step with the character of Red, the plotlines that had already been aired on the show, and the overall themes and feel of OUAT. It was nice knowing that I could ask questions and get input whenever needed. Truly, working with everyone who’s been involved with this project has been a magical experience, right from the get-go. 

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