Anhar Karim is a prolific entertainment reporter, paid social creative strategist, and content creator. Drawn to writing from a young age, Anhar has lent his creativity and gift for storytelling to a number of publications, from Forbes to The Huffington Post to The Muslim Link.
We spoke with Anhar on his creative background, the importance of representation, and what makes a great story.
Talk a bit about yourself and your background
I’ve always been drawn to writing and storytelling, even from a young age. I vividly remember enjoying English classes in middle and high school, where we’d dive into different narratives, from fiction to memoirs and biographies. I found it fascinating how stories could transport you to another world, evoke deep reflection, or even lead to those “aha” moments where something suddenly clicks. That love for stories grew as I noticed how texts can challenge you to see things from different perspectives or connect with experiences you might never encounter in real life.
In middle school, that interest led me to join the journalism club, where I wrote for the school newspaper. The stories I worked on weren’t anything groundbreaking—topics ranged from gaming to movies and trends in media—but I found the process thrilling. I’d think, “What’s something interesting happening right now?” and “How can I tell this story in a way that would engage others?” It was exhilarating to approach a topic, figure out the narrative angle, and make it compelling for readers. That experience laid the foundation for my love of writing, and I knew I wanted to pursue it further.
In high school, I had the opportunity to intern at a local newspaper. It was there that I learned valuable skills like finding credible sources, conducting interviews, and uncovering a story’s deeper layers. The mentorship I received helped me recognize the potential of even the most mundane events, showing me that any story could be captivating if you dig deep enough. In college, I wrote for The Huffington Post, which opened doors to more extensive stories and led me eventually to Forbes. Each of these experiences shaped my growth as a writer and helped me develop my voice, blending journalism with my personal passion for storytelling. Alongside all this, I’ve also dabbled in fiction writing, allowing me to keep pushing my creative boundaries while staying grounded in the goal of crafting narratives that resonate with people.
What do you believe are the key elements of a compelling story?
It’s tempting to talk about traditional story structures, like beginning, middle, and end, but what truly stands out are the unique moments that humanize a narrative. I believe any story can be interesting if you approach it from the right perspective. When I interview someone, I look for those personal anecdotes or vivid scenes that elevate the piece from mere reporting to something more lived-in. Everyone has a fascinating story; it’s just a matter of asking the right questions to reveal it.
When I start working on a story, I often focus on a topical event or a specific angle that’s been pitched to me. While it might not always seem interesting on the surface, the real magic happens when you connect with someone who can share an insightful or moving experience. For instance, instead of merely stating that a new movie was released, I’d dig deeper to uncover a moment that reveals why the movie matters to someone, or what the creative process was like. The aim is to craft a piece that feels like you’re stepping into someone’s world rather than just reading an article.
An important question I always ask myself is, “Why this story, and why now?” Especially when working with companies or PR firms, it’s not enough to say, “This person got a promotion” or “This product launched.” I want to know what’s significant about the story at this moment and why readers would care. It’s a principle we emphasized a lot in Forbes workshops: understanding the “why now” adds relevance and makes a story more than just a headline grabber.
What’s a success story or career accomplishment you’re particularly proud of?
I’ve been fortunate to have several rewarding experiences, but one that stands out happened over five years ago. I’ve written a lot about the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), especially regarding Muslim representation in Hollywood. In the trailer for the second Tom Holland Spider-Man film, Far From Home, I noticed a hijab-wearing woman among Peter Parker’s classmates. This detail was small, but it marked a significant step in representation, especially since the MCU had rarely featured Muslim characters in prominent roles up until then.
Curious, I decided to track down the actress, Zoha Rahman, and reached out to see if she’d be open to an interview. When she agreed, it turned into a much more powerful story than I initially imagined. During our conversation, Zoha shared that she had felt deeply moved seeing a hijab-wearing background character in the previous Spider-Man: Homecoming film because it was so rare in mainstream media. Fast forward to being cast in Far From Home, and she found herself in an emotional moment while on set in Europe. A Muslim woman working as a security guard on set had hugged her upon learning of her role, expressing her joy and pride. Zoha later retreated to her trailer and broke down in tears, overwhelmed by the realization of the impact she could have on others.
Turning what seemed like a minor detail in a film into a deeply personal story about representation and gratitude made the piece meaningful. It showed how even the smallest strides in representation could resonate powerfully with people, and it felt great to bring that nuance to the forefront. Since then, there’s been more Muslim representation in Hollywood, like Ms. Marvel, but I’m still proud of that story as an early stepping stone.
What advice would you give to someone looking to improve their storytelling skills?
For anyone wanting to write, my main piece of advice is to embrace the struggle of the initial draft. It’s easy to feel vulnerable and think, “This isn’t good enough.” But just get your thoughts on the page—force yourself through that first draft, however rough it may be. The real work and fun come in the editing phase, where you can start refining your ideas and identifying areas to enhance the narrative.
Also, don’t underestimate the value of interviewing. People love to share their experiences, and if you ask the right questions, you can uncover those compelling nuggets that make your story truly come to life.
In a crowded industry, the right story can make all the difference in how your brand is perceived and remembered. For personalized media strategies and to amplify your story, contact Jmac PR and get your message to a wider audience.
