I interrogate stories of all kinds — through art, culture, and politics — and teach you how to write them.
Hi, I’m Mariam. I’m a novelist, script girl, and cultural analyst.
I run the Substack newsletter ‘Modern Mythologies with Mariam Ansar’ for those interested in storytelling, its strengths, and its weaknesses.
I am also a journalist, literature teacher, and literary consultant.
You can find my debut novel — ‘GOOD FOR NOTHING’ — by searching online or having a clickthrough here.
I’m represented by Claire Wilson at RCW in London.
Robin Silas Photography.
I started Modern Mythologies on Substack because I am interested in interrogating the stories we tell ourselves - through culture, politics, art - and the ways in which we can get better at telling them.
As a free subscriber, you can expect:
Essays on cultural discourse: Thoughtful and nuanced reflections on youth culture, popular trends, media narratives, politics, and beyond.
Tools for writing fiction well: Strategies, frameworks, and guides into developing your voice as a writer and ways to succeed in traditional publishing.
Interviews with experts: Insight and guidance from those that are skilled in their field and eager to pass on their knowledge of storytelling and living their truth authentically.
What to Expect Each Week:
Mondays/Thursdays: Your daily intake of Modern Mythologies — an essay on cultural discourse or a How To on strengthening your narrative voice.
x2 a Month: An interview with an expert in their field, designed to help you understand what storytelling truly is, and how to learn from others.
Want even more?
My office hours give detail on how to contact me for writing consultancy, manuscript editing, and beyond.
My workshops give an insight into writing fiction and personal essays with an expert’s critical eye.
Published Works —
When three teens are landed with a community service order after an incident involving a spray can and an inconveniently timed patrol car, their stories start to converge.
Amir is the angry boy who won't talk about the brother he lost - but he won't let his name be forgotten either.
Eman is the awkward girl whose favourite evenings are spent at home watching TV with her Nani.
Kemi is the determined athlete who knows she deserves as good a shot as anyone else - if only she can get to the starting line.
As they spend more time together they learn more about themselves, and in the process realise the true cause of Amir's brother's death...
This is one summer they will never forget.
'A gripping portrait of three very different teenagers and one divided northern town, Ansar's moving, funny YA debut feels entirely true to life'
- The Guardian
Feature Writing:
Middle East Eye:
https://www.middleeasteye.net/discover/good-for-nothing-book-mariam-ansar-bradford-global
NME:
https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-radar/joy-crookes-interview-2020-2619318
https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-radar/deb-never-interview-house-on-wheels-2019-2550510
Dazed:
Is ‘Sorry To Bother You’ Just Like ‘Get Out’?
Catapult Story:
What ‘The Proud Family’ Gave Us
Vice:
The Filet-O-Fish Say So Much About Growing Up Muslim
BuzzFeed:
16 Graduates Told Us What They Wish They’d Known Before They Started University
21 Stylish Film Moments That Will Inspire Your Autumn Wardrobe
7 Moments Of Solidarity From Strangers
How I Learned To Stop Worrying and Wear Cultural Dress
Rookie Magazine:
On Digital Solidarity
On Trusting Your Own Authority
Call and Response
Elite Daily:
What Do Ramadan Nights Mean For Muslims?
Teen Vogue:
Hijabis and Court Rulings