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For an aspiring writer who has spent the last eight years honing his craft, praying his words will not only one day be published, but be published well; it is a real treat to be asked to post on the Penguin site!

That said, post number one will be shamelessly self-promotional.

(ß rolls neck, pops knuckles, and...)

My new book, High Points and Lows: Life, Faith, and Figuring It All Out, is set to hit bookstores Tuesday (1/26).

The book is a collection of faith-based essays that hopes to appeal to both a Christian and secular crowd. Full of pop-culture and plenty of shamelessly embarrassing personal stories, this book presents a raw, real look at life and faith.

You see, growing up, I read a great deal of Christian and faith-based material that spoke of a very idealized brand of faith: one that looked good on paper but didn't really match my own life experience. It seemed no one was really writing about faith as I knew it: full of fears and questions and struggles and doubts.

Enter High Points and Lows.

In this book I want to lend my voice to a quiet chorus of people all aching to know they aren't alone in their fears and struggles with faith.  Meanwhile, I want to let folks laugh with (and at) me in the process.

From Saved By the Bell to creepy Christian alter calls, this book sounds lots of different notes. And I can't wait to hear your thoughts upon reading it!

In the coming months I'll not only be updating this blog with news on my national tour and my media schedule, but I'll also be discussing truly important things: things like who I'm backing on American Idol and how Conan can best get revenge on Jeff Zucker.

So, stay tuned!

Meanwhile, here's a quick video asking for your help in getting the High Points and Lows ball rolling:

Austin Carty High Points and Lows Survivor