Sheldon Collins
Sheldon Collins, B.A. Rhetoric ’94, recently published his debut novel, The Legend of Valentine, now available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble online.
Set in ancient Rome in 268 AD, the book follows Valentine, a fearsome warrior transformed by the courage of a lover—blind to the world, but able to see his heart. As their forbidden bond deepens, Valentine dares to gather others in secret, defying a ruthless emperor and sparking the legend that would echo through history as Valentine’s Day.
Collins credits his Berkeley education for shaping his approach to story. “Studying Rhetoric taught me how to think critically about language and persuasion,” he says. “Those years dissecting classical texts and arguments gave me a foundation I still rely on. With Valentine, I wanted not just to tell a story, but to explore how love, faith, and power are argued and defended.”
The novel is also being realized as a cinematic audiobook directed by Collins, featuring 18 voice actors, immersive sound design, and an original score by Grammy-nominated composer Stephen Endelman. It will be released worldwide on Audible on November 15. “As both director and author, I wanted every emotional beat and character moment to resonate exactly as envisioned,” Collins explains. “I was fortunate to work with an extraordinary team—co-director, sound designer, composer, and cast—all of whom brought remarkable artistry and passion to bring this story to life beyond the page.”
After Berkeley, Collins earned an MFA in Directing from the American Film Institute and built a career in Hollywood as a screenwriter and director. His films have screened at festivals and on premium television, recognized for their character-driven narratives and emotional depth. He is now adapting The Legend of Valentine into a limited series, with the pilot script completed and the project currently being set up in Hollywood.
“Every now and then a story grabs audiences and keeps finding new forms,” Collins reflects. “For me, that’s been The Legend of Valentine—and it’s thrilling to see so many people connect with its universal message of love.”
Collins lives in California with his wife and daughter, drawing inspiration from the state’s landscapes—biking, hiking, surfing, and skiing. Yet Berkeley remains a touchstone: “At Cal, I learned that stories aren’t just entertainment—they’re arguments about who we are and what we believe. That lesson has guided every script, every film, and now this book.”
For alumni, The Legend of Valentine stands as both a love story and a Cal story—a testament to how a Berkeley education can shape creative work long after graduation.
