Start Here: Who I Am and What This Space Is About
Welcome to Ms. Rebel and what to expect here
Welcome to Ms. Rebel, a space for what doesn’t fit, what isn’t finished, and what refuses to be quiet.
I’m Mehrnaz, a writer and performer, originally from Iran, now based in Los Angeles.
I wrote my first poem at age nine, but because of the rebellious nature of my writing, I never felt fully safe expressing myself.
I left Iran when I was twenty to reclaim my voice without knowing how to speak or write in English.
It took me nearly two decades to feel confident enough to write again and to express myself in a new language, on my own terms. I’ve come to realize that I can’t wait to feel safe to write. I have to face it head-on.
It’s been a long journey. But here I am.
I write personal essays, short fiction, and cultural reflections about memory, exile, intimacy, and the quieter moments that shape us, always with a thread of danger and humor running through.
Here’s what I publish:
One longer-form post, usually a personal essay or a piece of fiction
One shorter series called The Contemplations of an Immigrant
And occasionally, a small offering I call a Pocket Piece — just for you to carry with you
I write to connect. If something resonates, I’d be honored if you shared it or wrote back. And if you're curious and want to get to know my work, start here:
And if you're ready to go deeper:
This is where I sit when I read. Usually barefoot, usually thinking about something I can’t quite name yet.