Afghan-Canadian Author

Stories that
open up the
world

Bridging lived Afghan experience with the conversations the world needs to have.

Author Narrative Strategist Speaker
Kabul Herat Kandahar
About Mina

Clarity in complex conversations

Mina Sharif

When people hear each other a little differently — that's where things start to open up, and that's where I want to be.

I'm Mina Sharif. For decades, across media, grassroots development, and community spaces — both in Canada and Afghanistan — I've learned to recognize the stories shaping how people see themselves, each other, and the world.

My writing, including Your War, Our Lives, has landed strongly with readers, and my workshops have left a lasting impression in youth, women-centred, and academic spaces. My keynotes and contributions to dialogue have shifted perspectives.

There's a real appetite for more honest, human-centred conversations beyond headlines. Be in touch if you'd like me to join yours.

Based in Canada
Experience Canada & Afghanistan
Focus Narrative & Dialogue
The Book

Your War, Our Lives

Your War, Our Lives — book cover
Out Now

Your War, Our Lives

Afghan Short Fiction with ArtLords Illustrations

Through a range of Afghan voices and perspectives, Mina Sharif shares fictional short stories shaped by years lived in Afghanistan and a lifetime in the diaspora. Your War, Our Lives offers a vivid look at everyday life beyond the headlines — blending storytelling with original ArtLords illustrations to challenge assumptions and centre Afghan experiences.

The Green Guest House — Long-listed, CBC Short Story Prize 2024
The Lemon Print Scarf — Shortlisted, Peter Hinchcliffe Short Fiction Award 2023
Featured in The New Quarterly Literary Journal, Issue 170 · 2024
Featured: Afghanistan International, MAWJ TV, Radio Liberty Europe (Azadi), Afghanistan Women's News Agency
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ISBN: 978-1-0694637-0-8 — accessible to indie bookstores, academic institutions & libraries

Download Reading Group Guide Discussion questions for book clubs, classrooms & community reads

Are you a journalist, academic, or event organiser? Download Mina's press kit for bios, hi-res photos & book assets.

Request Press Kit →
Speaking & Workshops

Conversations that shift perspectives

01
Keynote Speaking

Dynamic keynotes on narrative, identity, and bridging perspectives — delivered across academic, corporate, and community conferences with a steady, grounded presence.

02
Workshops & Facilitation

Hands-on sessions in storytelling, narrative strategy, and cross-cultural dialogue. Particularly resonant in youth, women-centred, and university settings.

03
Book Club & Classroom Visits

In-person or virtual visits to accompany Your War, Our Lives — for book clubs, literature courses, diaspora studies, and Middle East & Central Asia programs.

04
Media & Panel Appearances

Thoughtful, articulate commentary on Afghanistan, diaspora identity, narrative strategy, and the power of storytelling in shaping public understanding.

"There's clearly a real appetite for more honest, human-centred conversations beyond headlines."

Inquire Now
Media & Press

In the conversation

Afghanistan International

Your War, Our Lives — a collection that humanises the Afghan experience

2025
Radio Liberty Europe — Azadi

Author Interview: Afghan fiction and the diaspora voice

2025
MAWJ TV

Panel: Storytelling as resistance — Afghan women writers

2025
The New Quarterly — Issue 170

The Lemon Print Scarf (short story feature)

2024
The Bangalore Review

Asylum (short fiction)

December 2024
Afghanistan Women's News Agency

Afghan voices in diaspora literature

2025
Upcoming Events

Find Mina near you

Jun 12
Book Club Visit — Your War, Our Lives
Virtual · Open to the public
Register
Sep 20
Keynote: Human-Centred Narratives
Toronto, ON · University setting
Details

Interested in booking Mina for your event, course, or book club? Get in touch →

Stay Connected
Get in Touch

Start a conversation

Whether you're interested in booking a keynote, arranging a classroom or book club visit, a media inquiry, or simply want to connect — Mina welcomes the conversation.

info@minasharif.com
Based in Canada · Available globally