Lance Winter
SAN MARCOS — Anna Daugherty didn't go to Memphis expecting to win anything, yet she walked out of the Carol Awards with recognition for her most recent novel, “Before Grace.”
The San Marcos author had already beaten the odds, earning a second consecutive Carol Award nomination for her novel, she said. With four finalists instead of the usual three in her category, she figured the chances of taking home the award were slim. So, she settled into her seat at the awards gala, prepared to applaud another writer she admired. Then came the announcement that she had won.
"I had only prepared a rejection pep-talk for myself, but quickly adapted it into an acceptance speech," she recalled.
For the Texas author and mother of three, the unexpected honor was more than recognition for a novel. It marked another milestone in a writing journey that began during one of the most difficult periods of her life.
In some ways, the story behind “Before Grace” is as personal as the one told within its pages. The novel explores motherhood, mental health, faith and the sometimes-difficult road toward finding strength when life doesn't happen as expected.
After the births of each of her three daughters, Daugherty struggled with postpartum depression and anxiety. Following the birth of her second child, she turned to fiction writing as a creative outlet.
It was during those early days of motherhood that she began writing what would eventually become “Before Grace.”
The first attempt, she admitted, wasn't much to brag about. She put the manuscript aside and went on to write and publish two other novels, but the unfinished story stayed with her.
"I came back to “Before Grace” and rewrote it in the light of a better, clearer season of life, where I was able to speak about both the struggles of early motherhood, as well as the wonderful rewards," Daugherty said.
The result was a story rooted in personal experience, but written for readers who might recognize something of themselves in its characters.
The Carol Awards recognize excellence in Christian fiction, and Daugherty’s latest honor follows a finalist nomination for her earlier novel, “Reaching for Grace.”
Since publishing her first novel in 2022, she has seen two of her three books earn finalist recognition.
"To have two of my three novels be finalists for an award like this is shocking, humbling and exciting," she said. "I was happy simply to celebrate the title of 'two-time finalist.'"
Winning, she said, was something she hadn't allowed herself to expect.
"Being able to add 'award winner' to that is such a blessing and I hope it helps me further my writing career and future projects,” she added.
While her stories deal with experiences familiar to readers far beyond Texas, their setting is unmistakably close to home. A native Texan, Daugherty draws heavily on the places, weather and everyday experiences that have shaped her life.
"I'm a born and raised Texan and that absolutely shows in my books," she said. "From August heat waves to T-shirts at the fall festival, I love to represent life in Texas in a realistic, modern way."
She uses her experience with redemption, second chances, faith and the importance of having people to lean on when life gets hard throughout the plot.
"My faith is an important part of my life and it affects the stories I tell, as well," she said. "I have experienced struggles, hardships and know personally the importance of a good community and a strong faith in one's life … I hope to share those values in a way that readers can relate to, without sugarcoating the difficulties,” Daugherty added.
While the Carol Award represents a significant achievement, Anna isn't spending much time looking backward; she's already working on another series, this one taking her writing in a different direction.
Her next project is a four-book romantic suspense series focused on a family of tactical K-9 trainers.
She hopes to share more details soon. Readers can follow her work on Facebook and Instagram at @annadwrites or subscribe to her newsletter at www.annadwrites.com.
