San Marcos Author Won Prestigious Carol Award

Local writer Anna Daugherty received the honor for her novel Before Grace.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Home Organization

San Marcos Author Won Prestigious Carol Award

San Marcos resident Anna Daugherty has been honored with a Carol Award for her novel Before Grace. The awards program serves to recognize excellence in the field of Christian fiction.

Why it matters

The Carol Award celebrates significant achievements in Christian fiction, highlighting authors who contribute to the genre. Daugherty’s win marks a notable milestone in her career as an emerging novelist.

Anna Daugherty has published three novels since her debut in 2022. She is currently developing a four-book romantic suspense series focusing on tactical K-9 trainers.

The players

Anna Daugherty

She is a San Marcos author who has published three novels and received recognition for her work in Christian fiction.

The details

Daugherty began her writing journey by completing two other novels before returning to rewrite the manuscript for Before Grace. She notably penned the award-winning book during the postpartum period following the birth of her second child.

Daugherty published her first novel in 2022.
The Carol Award was presented in October 2026.

Culture Shift

The Carol Awards gala functions as a primary benchmark for excellence in Christian fiction writing. Daugherty’s victory follows the established pattern of authors earning industry recognition through this specific program.

Readers in San Marcos can explore Daugherty’s three published works to engage with her writing style. Her upcoming four-book romantic suspense series will offer new material for followers of her career.

The takeaway

Daugherty’s achievement highlights how personal experiences, such as the postpartum period, can influence creative output and professional success. Aspiring writers can look to her path of rewriting and publishing three novels as a model for persistence.