Press Release: Simon & Schuster Audio And Play.it® Make Stephen King's Drunken Fireworks A One-Of-A-Kind Audio Publishing Event

NEW YORK, May 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- In an innovative and exciting collaboration, Simon & Schuster Audio and Play.it^® will share in its entirety a stream of Stephen King's forthcoming audiobook short story DRUNKEN FIREWORKS for listeners nationwide. CBS RADIO stations in more than 20 major markets across the country will drive tune-in to the special event on which takes place July 2^nd. Play.it^® is an on-demand audio platform recently launched by CBS RADIO and CBS Local Digital Media.

"Great stories are often better when told out loud," said King. "This event is a cool way for more people to discover just how fun listening to my stories can be."

Simon & Schuster Audio's standalone publication of Stephen King's never-before-released short story will be read by beloved Maine humorist Tim Sample. DRUNKEN FIREWORKS will be released exclusively as an audiobook on CD and for download on June 30, 2015.

"Stephen King has always been a huge supporter of audiobooks and has embraced innovative marketing ideas for his books," said Chris Lynch, President & Publisher, Simon & Schuster Audio. "We are delighted to collaborate with our colleagues at Play.it^® and CBS RADIO to again break new ground with this audio publishing event."

In addition, Simon & Schuster Audio will launch a pre-publication sweepstakes featuring DRUNKEN FIREWORKS in June, which will include a travel voucher for a trip to see the annual July 4^th fireworks show in New York, a complete collection of Stephen King's Simon & Schuster Audio recordings, plus additional prizes. The sweepstakes will reach millions of fans through the Simon & Schuster, CBS, and Stephen King sites and social media accounts.

King hand-picked Tim Sample to voice this compelling short tale about a salt-of-the earth Maine native and a friendly annual summer fireworks rivalry that gradually spirals out of control. Sample, known for his Maine accent and pride, is a former CBS News Sunday Morning correspondent who produced the popular "Postcards from Maine" segments for over a decade. With his unique brand of storytelling, he is perfectly cast in DRUNKEN FIREWORKS.