The Novel Matrix

I was catching up with an acquaintance I haven’t seen in years and he was telling me about a book he’s written and rewritten several times over. I have to give him credit, most people who say they want to write a book never will. Among the ones who do, fewer publish. Unfortunately, he’s caught among those. In his case, he can’t figure out how to start or end it, and every time he changes one he has to change the other and everything in between.

The Novel Matrix could solve this problem and hundreds more. The book follows a three-section structure teaching you about the matrix, how to apply the matrix, and how to make yourself grind out a full novel. From worldbuilding to character archetypes to conflicts to structure, The Novel Matrix teaches it all with worksheets to help you along.

As an aside, you’ll notice 0’s down the content meters. This is true, but I want to note that many of the example movies Pauquette uses and recommends do have content. So, be aware and look up the movies before you sit down and watch any of them.

Now, this isn’t the only book out there teaching you to make a novel work, so what sets this one apart? A few things. One is the message of hope throughout the book, but especially in chapter seven. Two is how easy it is to understand and apply. Three, the last big difference, is the voice. I’ve never read a book that, for all intents and purposes, is a textbook but reads like a storybook.

Whatever way you look at it, The Novel Matrix is worth the minuscule investment to make your dreams of publishing come true.

While I doubt any of you are concerned with spoilers for a teaching text, several points of interest just didn’t fit in the general overview. I wish more people had this information before they wrote books so I could give more 4 and 5-star reviews.

First, I have the list of movies in case that is a make-or-break for you. There is no requirement to watch the films and the author uses them purely academically. However, I thought it might be useful for someone.

• Star Wars: A New Hope
• Iron Man 2
• The Godfather
• Hitch
• Wonder Woman
• Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
• It’s a Wonderful Life
• The Matrix
• The Hunger Games

What are the things every novel needs according to the The Novel Matrix? A novel needs seven archetypes: the protagonist, the antagonist, the mega-antagonist, the object of affection (not necessarily a love interest), the guide, the frenemy, and the sidekick (my personal favorite). It needs a three-act structure with eight turning points, four sequences of falling action, and five sequences of rising action. It needs a palpable and understandable world with rules the reader is shown. Finally, it needs five driving conflicts, most of which will not be resolved by the end of the book; everyone loves endings worth debating and discussing.

I can’t stress enough what a steal this resource is. It’s priced like any other book on the market but holds more value than any English textbook I’ve ever read (and trust me, I’ve read my fair share). I hope one day I get to take this book and use it to teach the next generation to write captivating stories that change the world.

Whether you’re struggling with structure, engagement, characters, or writing the novel in your head, this is a must-have resource.