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NATCHEZ — Natchez author Robert Kuehnle on Saturday awarded the top five finalists of the inaugural Literary Natchez Writers event during a book signing for his latest novel, “The Majestic Leo Marble,” under his pen name R.J. Lee.

In first place is Forrest “Al” Johnson, second place Virginia de la Vergne, third place Michael Gray, and the two other finalists are Kerry Rose Dicks and Mary Alice Higgs.

Each received a free, signed copy of the book and a certificate. Others in attendance could purchase the book and get it signed for $20, with event proceeds benefitting Y’all Means All Natchez. More copies are available at Silver Street Gallery & Gifts.

Leo Marble is Robert Kuehnle — almost. He lives in the fictional town of Beau Pre, which everyone knows by Kuehnle’s previous work is really Natchez.

“The Majestic Leo Marble” is a semi-autobiographical story about Kuehnle’s childhood and coming-out story. Leo would face many of the same struggles with being gay that Kuehnle faced, and some that he didn’t face but many real people have.

“I wrote it, so I can do whatever I want,” said Kuehnle with a laugh when he discussed the novel at the Y’all Means All Natchez book signing event at The Big Muddy Inn on Saturday.

Y’all Means All Natchez is a non-profit organization to help mental health causes and suicide prevention after a young gay man in Natchez took his own life.

While his experience is not exactly the same as Kuehnle’s, Leo’s experience is one that relates to many people who can identify with him. “Because that is what a good writer does,” Kuehnle said.