A graduate of the University of Denver, with a degree in Engineering Administration, Michael Ruddy has spent the last 40 years associated with both the commercial and residential disciplines of the construction industry, which help inspire several events within his debut novel, Conflicts with Interest.
Michael Ruddy currently resides in Boulder, CO with his wife, five children, dog, and cutting horses.
First of all, could you tell us a bit about Conflicts with Interest. What is the story about, who are the characters, etc.
T.R. Morgan, a seasoned building professional, finds himself entangled in the combined corruption of the high profile law firm that is attacking him and the insurance companies that are supposed to defend him. Still enduring the painful memories brought on by the tragic death of his wife, he soon finds out nothing involving lawyers and insurance companies happens quickly. Instead of resolution, T.R. unwittingly enters a world of human trafficking, drugs, and illicit sex taking place behind the scenes. And his story comes forward to an explosive climax that no one could possibly foresee, least of all T.R. himself. This suspenseful tale of contemporary fiction is packed with enlightenment and high-stakes characters, provoking thought on a new subject in a new light.
What do you want readers to take away from reading Conflicts with Interest?
Knowledge. An entertaining lesson: a complete understanding of a broken legal system and how it affects them in their lives from the many conflicting viewpoints. Not only how a consumer understands the problem, but a legal and insurance perspective as well. We cannot expect to repair the system without a clear understanding of the real-life problem. The book will provide the necessary awareness. And, yes, believe it, it really does work as the story describes.
What was the most fun about writing Conflicts with Interest?
I have to say creating the various characters that helped make the story entertaining and believable.
What was the hardest part about writing Conflicts with Interest?
The editing process and all of the cuts. It was important that the book read very quickly - that the reader stayed fully engaged. With any type of legal explanation it is hard to limit information - in an effort to avoid being bogged down. And this legal subject was tedious. I must say, there could have been a lot more information. But then the book would have only interested lawyers.
What kind of research did you do for Conflicts with Interest?
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