Last weekend the 46th annual Gaya Awards were held at Kennesaw State University in Georgia. Winton Porter snagged the Author of the Year award, beating out State Senator Max Cleland in the Best Memoir category for his first book, Just Passin’ Thru. Inside Just Passin’ Thru Porter tells the story of his store Mountain Crossings,  a historic trading post which sits astride the Appalachian Trail. He sketches some of the memorable souls who have passed through it—looking for gear or a place to sleep, coffee or gossip, souvenirs or advice. Congrats to Winton!

For more details on the Gaya Awards visit GeorgiaWriters.org