Conjoined

 At their relationship’s core lies a convergence of secrets and deception, while their heart showcases the unbreakable bond that binds two souls in a twisted dance of deceit.

Conjoined

by K.T. George

Genre: Psychological Thriller

Allyson Marta is a celebrated mixed-media artist dwelling in the shadows of Seattle's gritty underbelly. She struggles with Borderline Personality Disorder while grappling with the jagged edges of self-harm and past suicide attempts. Her identical twin, Andrea, is a hedonist at heart. She thrives as the vibrant art director of the cult-favorite "The Caretaker" horror movie series, which ensnares devotees in its macabre embrace. When H0rr Studios, the go-to streaming service of horror fans worldwide and Andrea's employer, reports her missing, Allyson finds herself torn between her ongoing recovery and helping to unravel the mystery shrouding her histrionic twin's whereabouts

After Roger Wotke, the star of The Caretaker, also disappears, Allyson is thrust into a perilous crossroads where the twin demons of mental anguish and familial duty collide. In a descent into the abyss of society's dark appetite for what goes bump in the night, Allyson grapples with safeguarding her tenuous sanity or delving deeper into the labyrinth of depravity that threatens to expose not just her own darkest secrets, but also those of her family.

: Behind the Scenes: The Creation of "Conjoined" and Navigating the Twists of Thriller Writing

Welcome to the suspense-filled world of "Conjoined," my debut novel, where every page whispers secrets and shadows loom at every corner. The genesis of this thriller unfolds a journey as serendipitous as the plot twists within its chapters. Today, I invite you to peek behind the curtain to discover the origins, the intricate writing process, and what lies ahead for my writing endeavors.

The Spark of Inspiration

The story of "Conjoined" began rather unexpectedly. I participated in NYCMidnight’s short story challenge, a contest designed to stretch the limits of creativity under pressure. The challenge? Craft a compelling short story in just seven days using assigned elements: a genre (Thriller), a character (A Caretaker), and a scenario (a canceled flight).

Naturally, my imagination veered towards the dark alleys of what makes fiction thrilling. I immediately envisioned a caretaker (not to be mistaken with a caregiver) with a sinister edge. The character morphed into a sadistic serial killer whose plans were disrupted when he accidentally hit a woman with his truck right before fleeing to a country with no extradition treaty. This quirky, eerie caretaker, set against the backdrop of a defunct TV set in Vancouver, intrigued the judges and set the stage for a larger story to unfold.

From Short Story to Full-Length Novel

The feedback from NYCMidnight highlighted the potential depth of these characters and their darkly twisted connections. Expanding the original setup, the narrative evolved significantly through numerous drafts. Initially focused on childhood and sibling rivalry between identical twins, the storyline grew into a complex web involving dual narratives and a chilling revelation: the caretaker and his victim both harbor deadly secrets.

"Conjoined" hence developed into a story that explores the interconnectedness of individuals tied by fate and blood, all culminating in a title that reflects both the physical and metaphorical joining of lives.

The Writing Process: A Blend of Discipline and Serendipity

Writing "Conjoined" was nothing short of a magical realism experience mixed with a disciplined routine. The setting and characters were sketched out in vivid detail, thanks to days spent brainstorming and allowing the sensory experiences of locations to permeate the narrative. My approach combined rigorous research with a splash of creative liberty to keep the narrative engaging and resonant.

Character names and traits were fluid until the final drafts; 'Ram,' the investigative reporter, and 'Allyson,' the protagonist, underwent various iterations before their names truly fit their personas. Inspiration often struck unpredictably, manifesting through songs, overheard conversations, or even street scenes, all guiding the storytelling process in real-time.

Editing: Ruthlessly Shaping the Narrative

The editing phase was particularly brutal. Chapters were refined, superfluous words cut, and plot elements re-evaluated to ensure a tight, engaging thriller. This phase wasn't just about trimming; it was about intensifying the suspense and polishing the dialogue to deliver a story that readers couldn't put down.

What’s Next?

As "Conjoined" makes its way into the world, my focus shifts to my next project, "No Reservations" – another thriller that explores the chaotic aftermath of a reality TV chef's scandalous trial. The stakes are higher, the plot twists more daunting, and the characters even more complex.

Embark on This Dark Journey

I warmly invite you to dive into the twisted world of "Conjoined." It’s a novel that promises to entertain, chill, and provoke thought, exploring what entertains us as a society and how we perceive ourselves through the veneer of individualism and secrecy.

Get ready to lose yourself in its pages. As we anticipate the twists and turns of life and fiction, I hope "Conjoined" offers you a thrilling escape into the depths of human nature and the eerie calm of unresolved pasts. Join me, and let’s explore the dark together. And stay tuned for "No Reservations," where the mystery deepens, and the thrill intensifies. Happy reading, and thank you for being part of this thrilling journey!

Early reviews:

“Creepy…Addictive…” – Goodreads reviewer.

“…draws the reader in quickly and the plot, characters, dialogue…make it hard to put down.” – ARC review.

“…an especially fascinating read.” – Bookbaby Editor

“That twist at the end! Seriously freaking great! the very last page 😲 ” – Goodreads reviewer.

Amazon * Bookbaby * B&N * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Conjoined-K-T-George-ebook/dp/B0CZS3VSW8

BookBaby: https://store.bookbaby.com/book/conjoined?bookURL=conjoined

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/conjoined-kt-george/1145415399?ean=9798350953954

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/conjoined-by-k-t-george

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210713958-conjoined

About the Author

K.T. George resides in the heart of Chicago with their family of four and their beloved fluffer, Lincoln. They draw inspiration from the vibrant cityscape that surrounds them and the people who live there. Formerly an esteemed I.T. Executive and cybersecurity expert, their unique ability to seamlessly transition from science to art has cemented their status as a formidable force in the literary realm. Learn more at www.ktgeorge.com.

Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * Amazon * Goodreads

Author Links

Website: https://ktgeorge.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKTGeorge

X: https://twitter.com/author_KTGeo

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_ktgeo

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/K.T.-George/author/B0CZXZDM2Q

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/49208548.K_T_George

 

Giveaway

$20 Amazon

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://bit.ly/ConjoinedTour