I'm happy to welcome A. J. Devlin back to Cozy Up With Kathy today. A. J. writes the "Hammerhead" Jed Mystery series. BRONCO BUSTER is the and most recent book in the series. I hope you read my review, if not, click here to check it out!
AJD: Absolutely! The Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair is a real thing in Greater Vancouver (I added to “Colossal” for a little creative freedom ;) and I have been going there since I was a wee lad. It always had that RUSTIC vibe to it that set it apart from other annual events, as if the entire exhibition was known for being a little rough around the edges. 
With regards to a favourite rodeo activity, I would have to say for spectator events it would be bronco riding, of course, but my most cherished memories at the rodeo were always the special treats like candy apples, little donuts, and maybe a deep-fried banana or two.
Kathy: We know Jed has a thing for Dairy Queen Banana milkshakes, but here he partakes in a banana snow cone. I've never heard of banana as a snow cone flavor! Have you tried it?
AJD: Oh yes. If it has anything banana in it, you can bet I’ve tried it. That’s author 101 right there. Do your research. And while it’s fun to write about European banana-flavoured milkshake syrups like those featured in FIVE MOVES OF DOOM (“Hammerhead” 3) or banana-flavoured snow cones, unfortunately the ratio of number of banana fusion flavours tried to quality ones that make it to print in my books is not in favour of my tastebuds.
Kathy: The "Hammerhead" Jed Mystery series showcases various sports that could be considered non-traditional. We've gotten behind the scene looks at professional wrestling, roller derby, and now logging sports. Why bring logging sports into a "Hammerhead" mystery?
AJD: The idea for the series was that a pro-wrestler PI would be uniquely suited to take on cases that pulled him into fringe sports and unusual subcultures. After pro wrestling, roller derby, wiener dog racing, rooftop MMA, and goat yoga, I figured the only way to ratchet up the tension was to use one. Literally.
Kathy: While uproariously funny BRONCO BUSTER also deals with some serious existential considerations. How do you find the balance?
AJD: When I was at the American Film Institute Conservatory earning my MFA in Screenwriting, one time we had special screening of the Peter Sellers classic film Being There. Talk about balancing uproarious humour with existential crises. That film is masterpiece of comedic storytelling. So if we called that the "Scooby-Doo" of deftly balanced narratives that intersect silly with smart, I like to think that might make Bronco Buster the louder, far-less-beloved, but still-hopefuly-pretty-entertaining "Scrappy Doo.”
Kathy: I adore John Steinbeck. Did OF MICE AND MEN influence the Buffalo portion of the book?
AJD: 100%. And thank goodness for my brilliant editor and awesome team at NeWest Press because I was about as subtle about that inspiration in the first draft as the bovine butt cacophony that accompanies live betting on cowpie bingo.
Kathy: Was there a specific inspiration for this story?
AJD: Trauma. That’s what this book was for me. An exploration into the after effects of devastating trauma. Just like the kind “Hammerhead” Jed endures and survives in FIVE MOVES OF DOOM. While that story was complete, the fallout from the events of that book were not. In fact, I soon realized what had occurred in book 3 was so significant it had to serve as the character arc for Jed in book 4.
And it did.
I was inspired to utilize a real-time format because of my love of the TV show 24 and the character of Jack Bauer, and also because the implementation of such a finite narrative construct like that of a ticking clock actually served as a catalyst for Jed to process his trauma — all while caught up in a rodeo adventure.
And like all great adversity in life, keeping a sense of humour amidst chaos often comes in handy as an essential coping mechanism.
Kathy: Are you able to share any future plans for "Hammerhead" Jed Ounstead?
AJD: Happy Trails, Partner! 
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