What’s in a Name? The Story Behind Pitchin’ a Fit

One of my favorite parts of writing the Magnolia Manor series is choosing the title. Long before the manuscript is even begun, I know the title of the book. If truth be told, I have so many more titles and outlines ready to continue this series, but that’s a post for another day…

For Book 11, the title came naturally: Pitchin’ a Fit.

If you grew up in the South, you’ve probably heard the phrase more times than you can count. A child throwing a tantrum? They’re pitchin’ a fit. A grown adult acting unreasonable? They’re pitchin’ a fit. Sometimes the phrase is used with frustration. Sometimes it’s used with affection. Often, it’s both.

At first glance, the title seems like an obvious nod to baby Mavis.

After all, she has certainly discovered her voice in this installment of the series. Between teething troubles, ear infections, sleepless nights, and the many frustrations that come with being an infant, Mavis spends a fair amount of time making her opinions known. For a baby who cannot yet speak, she has plenty to say in this book, but as I continued writing, I realized the title represented much more than one baby’s tantrums.

In many ways, nearly every character in this book is pitchin’ a fit.

Melanie is struggling against responsibility and consequences. She wants freedom while resisting the difficult choices that motherhood demands. Her decisions create ripple effects that impact everyone around her. Jameson finds himself wrestling with fear, frustration, and a fierce desire to protect his granddaughter. As circumstances become increasingly complicated, he is forced to make decisions that others may not understand. Ruby attempts to hold her family together while navigating heartbreak, disappointment, and uncertainty. Like so many mothers and grandmothers before her, she finds herself carrying burdens she never expected. Even Maude and Opal have moments when life refuses to cooperate with their carefully laid plans. Thankfully, they continue to face every challenge with humor, friendship, and perhaps a little stubbornness.

The truth is that “pitchin’ a fit” is not always about anger. Sometimes it is about grief. Sometimes it is about fear. Sometimes it is about feeling powerless when life takes an unexpected turn. The phrase may be humorous, but the emotions behind it are often very real.

As I worked through the story, I realized the title captured something deeper about this season in the lives of these characters. Everyone is struggling with change. Everyone is trying to hold on to something. Everyone is learning that life rarely unfolds according to plan.

And somewhere in the middle of all that chaos is little Mavis. She has no idea how profoundly she is changing the lives of everyone around her.

Of course, this is still Magnolia Manor. There are plenty of laughs along the way. There are birthday celebrations, unexpected adventures, heartfelt conversations, and enough Southern charm to fill a front porch swing. But beneath the humor is a story about family, responsibility, sacrifice, and unconditional love.

So why Pitchin’ a Fit?

Because sometimes life’s biggest transformations arrive kicking and screaming. And sometimes they arrive in the form of a baby who has everyone wrapped around her tiny finger.

Pitchin’ a Fit continues the Magnolia Manor journey with familiar faces, new challenges, and plenty of heart. I cannot wait for readers to spend more time with Ruby, Jameson, Maude, Opal, and, of course, little Mavis.

As always, thank you for visiting Magnolia Manor.

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