An Interview with Jason Markiewitz
Jason Markiewitz is a voice, film, and theatre actor, an audio drama producer, and a multi-award-winning audiobook narrator with dozens of titles read for independent and NYT Bestselling authors. When not doing all of that fun jazz, he is a Colonel in the USAF Reserve, a competitive baseball player, and an avid runner. He lives in CA with his family.
What inspired you to start writing this book?
I was forward deployed to the Balkans as part of a NATO team in 2002–2003 at the end of the “second Kosovo war.” While traveling between Kosovo and Bosnia, I had the opportunity to experience some of the most tragic scenes and learn a lot about the history of the region. My teammates there, some who had been in the Balkans previously, helped me understand what had happened here, who the players were, and where the literal bodies were buried. It was an experience that touched me and on some of the nights, I wrote journal entries or poems that helped me relay what I had seen that day. Thankfully, I had purchased a digital camera about a year before and was able to capture hundreds of photographs of the area as well. I can’t say that I thought of putting any of that into a book one day, but as friends published their books, I had plenty of encouragement to do so. It took the better part of twenty years to bring it from random notes and photos to the final work you see today. I can’t thank my peers enough for pushing me to bring this collection to life.
Tell us the story of your book’s current title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
The title of this book, Sarajevo Roses: Poetry From a War Zone, definitely wrote itself. The history of the actual Sarajevo roses, which are essentially resin-filled pocks in the pavement where munitions struck the earth and left behind these craters, are metaphorically in gardens around Sarajevo. This was the imagery I wanted to inspire by this book and the title was an immediate selection.
Describe your dream book cover.
While some dabble in art, some in A.I., some in photography, some in simple text, I found the not-quite-crystal-clear image of the Sarajevo Rose to be perfect. It harkened to an earlier time, it inspires curiosity in those who are not sure what they’re looking at, and it deftly describes the contents with imagery and emotion. In one image, it was my dream cover for this book.
If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?
This is a great question as it would definitely be a mix of classic scores with American military hymns. I can hear adventure music as well as emotional masterpieces. I can hear Klaus Badelt’s score from Pirates of the Caribbean, John Williams’ Raiders of the Lost Ark and Schindler’s List, as well as Basil Poledouris’ The Hunt for Red October. But, it’s also possible that Jewel’s “Foolish Games,” Garth Brooks’ “Shameless,” Poison’s “Every Rose Has Its Thorns,” and Katy Perry’s “Firework” may also be on the soundtrack.
What books are you reading (for research or comfort) as you continue the writing process?
As an audiobook narrator, I read books of various genres, but am mostly attracted to science fiction and westerns. I’m currently reading a Star Trek book entitled Doctor’s Orders by Diane Duane and listening to the audiobook for Holly Knightley’s Eye of Athena.
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
I have been a varsity tennis and softball coach, a 32-year Little League Baseball umpire, and the current President of The Rohna Survivors Memorial Association, an organization dedicated to educating today’s generation about the events surrounding the sinking of the HMT Rohna on 26 November 1943, an event my grandfather survived. Most notably, I am an audiobook narrator and voice actor with 41 titles and dozens of voice-over projects for audio dramas, podcasts, theatres, and more. My readers are unlikely to know that I run over 1,000 miles per year!
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
I have dabbled in writing for many years, having published a book of poetry decades ago that was very specific to the area where I grew up. I have written short stories, fan fiction, scripts, a novella, and am working on my first novel…but have not published any of these things for one reason or another. I think my recent friendship with writer/journalist Jon Wongrey in South Carolina really pushed me to publish this work of poetry and I can’t thank him enough…also for writing the foreword for Sarajevo Roses.
Where is your favorite place to write?
I am still a huge fan of writing on a legal pad with a pen in hand, swallowed up in a big couch or recliner. But, when on the computer, I enjoy sitting at a table under a single light with a great view out the window. I still have a pen and paper handy as I always find time to jot down some notes for later!
What advice would you give your past self at the start of your writing journey?
Persevere. Don’t give up on the story or the prospect of making something truly great. And, social media will be a big thing later…you may want to learn about it earlier! Ha.
What’s one thing you hope sticks with readers after they finish your book?
I hope readers find the images created by my poems and photographs to be poignant and powerful; that the visuals I had in front of me resonate in their minds, and that the emotional turmoil of those who fought and died in that war pull at their hearts and draw them into the book. I have heard from readers that this book struck them in different ways; that it meant something different to each person—some found it raw and unforgiving while others found it emotional and beautiful. I just hope my readers appreciate the work, because in the end, that is all that will remain.
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