There is a certain kind of electricity that crackles through a room when you meet someone who operates with absolute creative autonomy. It’s the vibe you get from Chaka K. Collins, known to her fans as Saralyn More, as she settles into our Zoom call from her current base in Toronto. With the skyscrapers of the Canadian city behind her and a quiet confidence in her voice, she embodies the ethos of her motto: “Dreams are free so why not dream.”
For the uninitiated, Chaka K. Collins is the definition of a multi-hyphenate. She is the independent powerhouse behind the deeply personal album No AfterLove, which dropped earlier this year on February 15, 2026. She is the producer who locked herself in the studio to bring that sonic world to life entirely on her own terms. And now, she is an author.
But don’t call it a career pivot. For Collins, it is simply an expansion of the empire. We caught up with the West Virginia native to discuss her new literary venture, How To Survive The Hate Train: Guide The Chosen, the symbiotic relationship between beats and books, and how she maintains her peace while chasing her biggest dreams.
The Interview
Kristina R. (Team Influencer UK): Many people know you first and foremost for your music, your songwriting, and your independent production work. What inspired you to expand your creative focus and transition into writing a full-length book?
Chaka K. Collins: “Music has always been my first love, and songwriting taught me how to tell powerful stories within a short track. But as I kept growing as an artist, I realized that some experiences, deep reflections, and lessons needed more room to breathe. Writing a book allowed me to dive much deeper into a narrative than a song ever could, giving me a completely new canvas to connect with people on a raw, unfiltered level. It’s not about leaving music behind; it’s about expanding the empire and finding new ways to speak my truth.”
Kristina R. (Team Influencer UK): Even though you’ve stepped into the literary world as an author, you’re still heavily involved in music production. How do you balance both worlds, and does your love for music still influence your writing process?
Chaka K. Collins: “I could never leave music behind—it’s built into my DNA. For me, it’s not about choosing one over the other; it’s about channeling that same creative energy into different lanes. When I’m working with digital audio tools or producing a track, I’m constantly thinking about rhythm, flow, and pacing. I actually bring that exact producer’s mindset into my book writing. A good book needs a groove, a specific tempo, and moments that hit the reader just like a heavy beat or a great hook.”
Kristina R. (Team Influencer UK): Can you tell us a bit about your new book, and what you hope readers—especially those who have followed your creative journey so far—take away from it?
Chaka K. Collins: “My book How To Survive The Hate Train: Guide The Chosen is all about resilience, navigating the noise, and staying completely true to your vision when the world tries to throw you off track. I wanted to write something deeply authentic that serves as a real, unfiltered guide for anyone trying to protect their peace and survive the challenges of putting themselves out there. I hope readers walk away feeling empowered, unbothered, and inspired to keep building their own lane, no matter what the critics have to say.”
Kristina R. (Team Influencer UK): What is next for you as both a musical artist and an author, and where can our readers find your book and stay updated on your upcoming projects?
Chaka K. Collins: “I’m staying locked in both the studio and at the keyboard. You can absolutely expect new music projects, visuals, and more literary work down the line because the creativity never stops. Readers can grab a copy of the book directly on Amazon as well as KDP. And you can stay updated on all my upcoming drops and music releases by following me on Instagram @thatgirlsaramore.”
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In a world obsessed with the “overnight success,” Chaka K. Collins stands as a testament to the power of slow, intentional creation. Whether she is engineering a bassline in her Toronto studio or penning a chapter on resilience, her message is clear: authenticity is the ultimate currency.
As we wrapped up our conversation, we asked her about the risk of wearing so many hats. Her response was a simple echo of her motto, delivered with a smile that suggested she knows something the rest of us are just catching up on. After all, when you’re living your dream, there is no such thing as too many hats, just an ever-expanding wardrobe.
How To Survive The Hate Train: Guide The Chosen is available now on Amazon and KDP. Follow Chaka K. Collins on Instagram @thatgirlsaramore for updates on new music and literary projects.
