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Acclaimed Author

Public Speaker

Stories carry us across borders, mend hearts, and remind us of our shared humanity.

That’s what I believe, and it’s what I try to do, through my writing, my speaking, and the life I live.

My name is Mina Mah. I’m a British-Iranian writer, poet, and speaker, born in the Kurdish mountains of Western Iran and now based in the UK.

I write fiction, non-fiction, and poetry that blend lived experience with imagination, from refugee journeys to magical folklore, from quiet poems of resilience to political essays rooted in justice.

My passion lies in amplifying voices that are often unheard, especially those of women, children, and displaced communities.

I grew up in a small village with no roads, where we made our own toys out of mud and our stories were passed down by the fire. My grandmother was my first inspiration, a powerful storyteller and healer who caught snakes with her bare hands and taught me to be brave.

In my teens, the Iranian revolution changed everything. I joined the Kurdish resistance, trained as a nurse, and lived through years of displacement before finally seeking asylum in Europe.

Throughout it all, writing became my way to process, to resist, and to connect.

Today, I write books, short stories, and articles that explore identity, trauma, migration, and hope. My debut novel "The Rolling Pumpkin" follows a young refugee boy on his journey to safety, told through his love of folklore.

I also lead talks and workshops for schools, writers, and organisations, helping people explore topics like refugee experiences, integration, and the healing power of storytelling.

What makes my work different is that it comes from real, lived experience. I’ve walked the roads I write about. I’ve carried the weight of leaving home, of losing loved ones, of starting again in a foreign language.

I’ve worked as a nurse, studied creative writing, and raised a family, all while continuing to write, speak, and advocate. My stories are infused with humour, truth, and the kind of strength that only comes from survival.

My values are rooted in justice, empathy, and human dignity. I write to challenge stereotypes, to invite deeper understanding, and to help build a more compassionate world, one story at a time.

If my work can help someone feel seen or shift the way another person sees the world, then I’ve done my job.

Take a moment to explore my work, read a poem, discover my books, or watch one of my talks. And if something speaks to you, I’d love to connect.

You can find me on social media or reach out through the site.

A couple of things about me:

When I’m not writing, I’m usually in the woods, feeding friends, or dreaming up new stories.

My favourite saying is “You can’t change what has already happened, but you can change people’s perception of it.” I live by that.