"My Life with Mickey" has been released in a new audio CD by the Athenaeum Press at Coastal Carolina University just in time for holiday giving.

In this recorded version of the book released in February, Jane Spillane reads the five stories already collected in the book, as well as one new story exclusive to this CD. Spillane shares snapshots of their boisterous life together -- from their meeting while she was "riding her tricycle" to Mickey's death in 2006.

Murrells Inlet provides a fitting backdrop for this rare glimpse into the man behind Mike Hammer, who, as Jane cites, "wasn't at all like the books he wrote and characters he created."

Jane's stories show the many sides of Mickey Spillane: heroic defender, thoughtful husband and father, and unfailing optimist -- even amidst the destruction of Hurricane Hugo. Each captivating chapter adds another dimension to Mickey and the dynamic relationship he and Jane shared.

After mastering an audio collection of Gullah spirituals, student Tevin Turner helped record Jane Spillane's stories in CCU's state-of-the-art recording studio. The stories were written by Andrew Lesh, a recent graduate of CCU's Master of Writing program, after he extensively interviewed Spillane over a year's time. The audio CD captures the vibrancy of Jane's storytelling abilities.

This project demonstrates the multiple forms an Athenaeum Press project can take and the innovation that is possible with student collaborators. The Press is actively seeking new project proposals that promote regional stories in innovative ways. Proposals are due by Jan. 9, 2015. For more information on the application process, see theathenaeumpress.com/submit.

"My Life with Mickey" is both an audiobook two-CD set and paperback, each priced at $14.95. Those who would like to purchase the audiobook and paperback can purchase them both for $24.95. The audio CD will be available Jan. 5, with a launch in mid-February, and is available for pre-order at theathenaeumpress.com/order, Amazon.com and by calling 843-349-5099.

For more information, contact Trisha O'Connor, director of the Athenaeum Press, at 843-349-6652 or poconno@coastal.edu.