Brad Paisley to Let Fans Read His ‘Diary’

Brad Paisley -- singer, songwriter, filmmaker and guitar picker -- will add author to his résumé when he releases his first book next spring.

'The Diary of a Player' will be published by Howard Books, an imprint of Simon and Schuster, in May 2011. The book is described as "a salute to the guitar gods of country, blues and rock 'n' roll who have shaped his life."

David Wild, a contributing editor to Rolling Stone and an Emmy-nominated television writer and producer, will co-author the book with Paisley. According to the press release announcing the book, the essence of the story is captured in the liner notes Paisley penned for his 2008 instrumental album, 'Play.'

"When I was eight I got a gift from my grandpa," he writes. "No coincidence that around that time, I also got an identity. See, no matter how I have changed, learned and evolved as a person, the guitar has been a major part of it, and really the only constant. A crutch, a shrink, a friend, love interest, parachute, flying machine, soapbox, canvas, liability, investment, jackpot, tease, a sage, a gateway, an addiction, a recovery, backstage pass, pickup line, weapon of revenge, a makeover, compass, target, icebreaker, a temptress, a church, a voice, veil, armor and lifeline.

"My grandpa knew it could be many of these things for me, but mostly he just wanted me to never be alone. He said if I learned to play, anything would be manageable, and life would be richer," Paisley continues. "You can get through some real tough moments with that guitar on your knee. When life gets intense, there are people who drink, who seek counseling, eat, watch TV, pray, cry, sleep and so on. I play."

Before his book is released, Paisley has a new album, 'Hits Alive,' set for release on Nov. 2. The two-disc set will include original studio tracks as well as live performances from the superstar's H2O World Tour. On Nov. 10, he'll co-host the CMA Awards for the third consecutive year with Carrie Underwood. He's also nominated for Entertainer, Male Vocalist and Video of the Year, for 'Water.'

And if you can't wait for Brad's book to come out, you can always sample his literary talents at his official Twitter page.