About Collins

Sheldon Collins is a distinguished storyteller whose career began in Hollywood as a screenwriter and director. His films, celebrated for their compelling narratives and rich character development, have been featured on premium television and at numerous film festivals—earning critical acclaim and a host of awards. The Legend of Valentine marks Collins’s debut novel, for which he also co-directed the multi-cast audiobook edition.

Residing in California with his wife and daughter, Collins draws ongoing inspiration from the breathtaking natural landscapes. Outside of writing and directing, he enjoys immersing himself in music, podcasts, and audiobooks, and actively participates in outdoor activities like biking, hiking, surfing, and skiing. His commitment to family and friends remains a cornerstone of his life.

Educated at UC Berkeley with a Bachelor of Arts in Rhetoric and holding a Master of Fine Arts in Directing from the prestigious American Film Institute, Collins brings a unique blend of narrative expertise and directorial acumen to his literary endeavors.

Q&A with collins:

The Roman Empire is a treasure trove for storytelling. The period of history in which The Legend of Valentine is set is nothing short of extraordinary. The Romans were ahead of their time, both in sophistication and innovation, and their empire was one of the largest to ever span the globe. Unlike many other settings where authors must invent a backdrop to enhance the narrative, Ancient Rome offers a world so rich and vibrant that it practically begs to be the stage for a thrilling tale. 

I’ve always been captivated by stories rooted in history, and with The Legend of Valentine, the romantic element was impossible to ignore. It was the perfect blend of my passion for period-based narratives and the compelling nature of the material that drew me deeper into this genre. After all, you can’t tell the story of the origins of Valentine’s Day without weaving together both history and a powerful love story.

I delved deeply into the various narratives surrounding Valentine’s origins, conducting extensive research and consulting with historians from both the U.S. and Italy to discern the historically accurate elements from the embellished legends that have evolved over time. Like many historical fiction authors, I encountered challenging decisions in the writing process. On one hand, I strove to honor Roman history accurately, anchoring key story elements in verifiable facts—a commitment I believe will enrich the reader’s experience. On the other hand, the legendary aspects of Valentine’s life, though not always historically substantiated, offer a captivating exploration of the timeless themes of love and sacrifice. These elements, passed down through literary fiction and oral tradition, although less factual, provide a rich tapestry that enhances the narrative. The final composition is a carefully crafted blend of history, legend, and creative embellishment, designed to engage and resonate with fans of the genre.

Quantifying the exact amount of creative liberty I took in shaping the origin story of Valentine in terms of percentage is challenging. The Legend of Valentine is deeply rooted in historical research, yet it also reimagines Valentine’s life to embody the love and devotion we celebrate today. I aimed to strike a balance, intertwining historical detail with the enduring traditions of courage and compassion associated with him. While the origins of Valentine’s Day are somewhat elusive, my goal was to craft a narrative that feels authentic and honors Valentine’s legacy in a way that might logically inspire today’s celebrations. This approach blends fact with creative interpretation to bridge the gap between historical authenticity and the legendary aspects that resonate with contemporary traditions.

In The Legend of Valentine, love transcends personal connection to become an act of rebellion. Valentine’s secret marriages symbolize his unwavering commitment to connection and faith, challenging imperial control over personal freedoms. I aimed to show how love—whether romantic, familial, or sacrificial—can be a profound statement in a world dominated by fear. Valentine’s courage gave love a deeper purpose, transforming it into a force for resistance and change.

Valentine’s transformation stemmed from his inner struggles and the turmoil of a divided empire. Key moments included his disillusionment with the violence of war and his realization that true strength lies in compassion and unity. Balancing his warrior past with his role as a uniter of lovers required showing how faith, personal loss, and those he helped shaped his journey. Each challenge deepened his resolve, turning him into a symbol of hope and love in a fractured world.

In The Legend of Valentine, I explored the universal struggle between personal conviction and systemic oppression. Grounded in the historical realities of 3rd-century Rome—its politics, religious persecution, and cultural divides—the story connects with modern readers through themes of freedom, resisting injustice, and the power of love and faith to inspire change. Balancing historical accuracy with emotional depth was key to ensuring the story reflects its era while resonating with contemporary struggles.

Crafting the romance between Valentine and Agatha meant honoring the historical setting while creating a timeless bond. Agatha’s blindness added depth, emphasizing a spiritual connection over physical attraction—a theme central to the legend. Their relationship had to overcome societal constraints and hardships of the time. By focusing on their shared courage, faith, and compassion, I portrayed a bond that transcended their challenges, becoming a testament to the enduring power of connection and devotion.

I hope readers leave The Legend of Valentine inspired by the transformative power of love—one that defies oppression, unites people and inspires courage. Valentine’s story shows that even in the darkest times, hope can thrive through compassion and resistance against tyranny. It’s a testament to standing by one’s convictions and fighting for faith, freedom, and connection. Ultimately, I want readers to see that the human spirit is resilient and that love, in all its forms, is the greatest force for change and unity.

That’s a challenging question, but if I were to pinpoint the most exhilarating part of the process, it would certainly be directing the voice actors and hearing my story come to life exactly as I envisioned it. Working with the actors, especially the immensely talented individuals involved in this audiobook, was a true delight. Their commitment to delivering top-notch performances truly elevated the entire project. Additionally, collaborating with an exceptional co-director, Becky Parker Geist, and being supported by a large, skilled production team made the experience incredibly rewarding. Having directed in film and television before, I’ve experienced this unique magic, but directing this audiobook was particularly special due to its profound depth and international cast. There’s simply no better feeling for a writer-director than hearing the characters and world they’ve painstakingly crafted come alive just as imagined. It’s an absolutely exhilarating experience that I believe will result in a story that will resonate deeply with both readers and listeners.

Let’s Start The Adventure

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