From the Richard Gallen edition of Conquer the Memories:
Janet Joyce is two Ohio housewives who have combined their first names and talents to form a writing partnership. They were introduced by a mutual friend who knew that Joyce wrote fast-moving stories about naked people in vague places, while Janet wrote of exquisitely dressed people locked in detailed times and places. The friend thought they would do better together.
Janet, a born Buckeye, lives with her optometrist husband and three children. She holds a degree in education from Ohio State University, loves history and is active in Girl Scouting. Joyce, a Minnesota native, recently moved to Ohio from New York. She majored in English at the University of Minnesota and lives with her architect husband and two children. Both women married dedicated professionals and, since the start of their writing partnership, have discovered that workaholism is a family trait they all share.
Their combined children, two boys and three girls ranging in ages from seven to twelve, have taken over as cooks, housekeepers, baby-sitters and advisors during the times when Janet and Joyce work on their manuscripts. Their two husbands share such similar attitudes and habits that Janet and Joyce have often speculated that they are married to one man who has devised an ingenious disguise.
Although many partnerships might falter because of personality conflicts, Janet and Joyce realized early that they were both too cowardly for confrontation. They appreciate each other's abilities and have formed a mutual support society, recognizing that each complements the other. Conquer the Memories is their first novel, and they are currently completing another.