The Novel Matrix: The Complete Novel Writing Guide

by Brad Pauquette

There’s no secret code for writing a bestselling novel.

But there are fundamental principles of story structure that will make your novel work.

Once you understand these fundamentals, writing a novel transforms from a chaotic, enigmatic roller coaster into a succinct and sensible process.

Whether you’re a new writer or you’ve written several manuscripts, if you’re not yet achieving what you’d like to achieve with your writing—The Novel Matrix is for you. Hundreds of authors just like you have used this remarkable system to begin and improve their novel writing.

What is a matrix? A matrix is either the natural substance in which something forms, or it can be an interrelated system of information. The Novel Matrix is both.

The Novel Matrix explores the natural principles of storytelling that humans instinctively understand and expect in great stories. This is the foundation from which great artwork is born.

The Novel Matrix also relates plot, characters, conflict, and setting together in a way that no other craft book has done. Written in simple, nonacademic language, this is the honest, elegant solution for long-form storytelling you’ve been waiting for.

Armed with this information, you’ll never begin another novel manuscript only to abandon it partway through the writing.

Never again will you completely overhaul a novel manuscript because it just doesn’t work, but you have no idea why.
The solution is The Novel Matrix.

As one writing student put it, “The Novel Matrix makes novel-writing scandalously simple.” Don’t start another project without it.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Education

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 10, 2024

About the author

Brad Pauquette is the director of The Company, a community of writers on a mission to change the world.

As a writing mentor and publishing expert, Brad helps authors unlock their potential and make cool stuff.

Brad is a follower of Jesus. He lives in Cambridge, Ohio, with his wife, Melissa, and their six children.

Since 2008, Brad has worked in various capacities in the publishing industry, starting several successful publishig imprints. Brad is also the founder of the Ohio Writers’ Association.

Check out "The Company Podcast with Brad Pauquette" on your favorite app. You can also start your journey with Brad with the 90-Day Novel Challenge.

Reviews

[jo ୨୧]

Full review to come!

I received a complimentary arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

There's definitely good information and guides in this book. It's geared a lot more towards beginning writers/writers who haven't written much yet, and it's approachable in that way. And even as someone who's 16 years and 7 manuscripts deep into my writing journey, I'm going to download and use some of the included worksheets for future use. And I also appreciate the endnote that says there are multiple ways to write a novel, and not quite encouraging but acknowledging that writers may find other systems they like better and that work for them.

Which brings me kind of to some things I wasn't a huge fan of.

Even though the author does at the end acknowledge the viability of other writing systems, the general attitude of the book doesn't leave room for that. I know dozens of people who write novels to some level of dedication or other, and even though every single one of us came from a single writing system, none of us write in the exact same way or use the exact same system anymore. Growth and development as a writer is taking what works best or you, and compiling it into your own, personal system, knowing that its yours and might not work for anyone else. And this book doesn't leave room for that in its presentation. It gives you a formula for writing a novel (not inherently a bad thing, writing formulas do not equal formulaic novels) but seems to imply heavily that if you don't use this formula, you're up a creek without a paddle and you'll fail heavily before you can hope to succeed. Which isn't correct in my opinion.

It was also self aggrandizing in a way that rubbed me the wrong way. I feel like there were a couple chapters dedicated to telling me how amazing and incredible using the system was, and how it was going to change my life forever, but I don't need you to convince me, I already want to read this book, just teach me what you can, and stop waxing MLM-y about how incredible this system is going to be. Once we got to the meat and potatoes of the book that lessened, but since that was how the book opens I was still grumpy about it, even as I was gleaning good insights.

I say lessened, because there was still a good number of tips in the first half that I found pretty intuitive and easy to learn just by reading a few novels and/or watching a few movies. It's not necessarily a bad thing to observe and write about, but I didn't need the length of those sections, and it's mostly not really the advice I needed when I was starting out.

Ultimately I think it's overall a solid book of writing advice, learning, and especially beginner how-tos. And, as previously mentioned, there are definitely pieces that I'm going to steal and implement in my own writing life. But it's not necessarily something I would suggest to someone who has already written at least one first draft, or someone with good story intuition.

*I was given an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

[Thirzah · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are very few writing craft books in this world that I will rave about, but The Novel Matrix is definitely one of them.

I had the pleasure of being a part of the editorial and launch teams for this book, so I’ve read it a few times by now, and I have to say:

The information in this book revolutionized the way I think about storytelling, and what makes a good story.

Characters, plot, pacing, writing strategies—this book has it all. So whether you’re fairly new to writing, or you’ve been typing away for a while and want to create a fantastic novel, this book is for you.

I’ve used it to write three books so far, and it’s worked so well to keep me focused and on track.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I found the first few chapters written in a sort of repetitive way, I overall enjoyed and got a lot from this novel! Everything is put forward in a very easy to comprehend manner, and I now feel that I have a more concrete idea of story structure.

[Rose Q. Addams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a very informative and clear breakdown of what, exactly, makes a story tick.

The guidelines were presented with a sense of humor, and in an interesting fashion that even the nonfiction-abhorring me can handle. It wasn't boring... and not painful to read, like so many craft books tend to be. (I'm of the opinion that doing is more helpful than studying, after a point. I've taken several writing classes, but craft books tend to put me off and frustrate me. So keep that in mind with this review.)

Mr. Pauquette had enough of an engaging voice and clarity of purpose in each chapter that I was not only able to understand what he was saying, but I came away with a better understanding of story in general. I also appreciated that it's not a "tips and tricks" kind of book: rather, it gives you a helpful skeleton to build your story-animal on, with the understanding that each story, genre, and author are different. You can't make a cake without some kind of flour, sweetener, and binding agent. (Usually wheat flour, sugar, and eggs, but there are variations. And he acknowledged that!)

The elements I appreciated the most, however, were these:
- First, he argues in favor of "plantsing", which is using a framework to give you a goal and stops along the way, but also giving you freedom to let your story gain life of its own. It's encouraging to hear that I'm not nuts for not landing in either the "planner" or "pantser" camps.
- Secondly, he included helpful worksheets to get you started with your own work, instead of leaving you motivated but unable to begin. I hate getting excited about learning something new, and then finding that I can't implement it myself very well. It just takes the wind out of my sails and I usually end up feeling like I wasted my time with that Thing-I-Couldn't-Figure-Out.
- Thirdly, he states that while this system is one that is found in many of the best works, if you already have something that works well for you, you shouldn't try to mix systems. Try it out, but don't combine, and if your other works better... keep it! The matrix is meant to make it easier to consistently create good, lasting works, not to give you frustration or confusion. Honestly, hearing that he didn't think "his system" was the be-all, end-all, but just a helpful tool... was REALLY encouraging and very much something that piqued my interest in trying the Novel Matrix, as opposed to the system I've worked with before, The Hero's Journey.

[Vella Karman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used the novel matrix method to write my last project in record time!

It’s the most comprehensive outlining method I know. You should try it. ;)

[Emily Hitchcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish every author had this information before they queried my publishing company. The Novel Matrix is an absolute game changer.

[Alli Prince · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed everything about my writing. Before, I couldn't ever finish a project. Now? I've written 2 novels and am a quarter into my third one!

The teaching in this is so easy to understand, I can't recommend this enough!

[J.E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a writer, teacher of writing, and perpetual student of the genre, I was excited to be part of Brad Pauquette's ARC team for this new entry into the field of books on writing. The Novel Matrix is an excellent primer for beginning writers and a strong refresher for those already involved in the art and craft of novel writing. In clear, concise, concrete terms, Pauqette lays out guidelines for aspiring authors to use before sitting down and writing the story. Each step includes examples that remain accessible without being preachy.

There is a strong Christian bent to some of his instructions, especially in Chapter 7, but this need not deter one from learning what works in a successful novel and how to avoid pitfalls. With Brad's permission, I intend to incorporate several of his points into my own classroom presentations. If you're on the hunt for a book that takes the mystery out of the writing process, this one fits the bill.

[Timothy Benefield · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read quite a number of books and articles about story structure and planning, but none of them are as simple as easy to use as the method proposed in this book. The Novel Matrix gives you the box mix for your cake so you can go to town with decorations.

[Juli Ocean · Rating 5 out of 5]

The reason I got and wanted to read The Novel Matrix is because my very first epic novel was “pantsed” (written by the seat of my pants.) It was as if I had accidentally written a good book. Afterward, I wasn’t sure if I could write another successful story. Many unfinished efforts sat in a file on my computer, reminding me of Sleeping Beauty. One day, a prince will come and reawaken the story… When I read Brad Pauquette’s THE NOVEL MATRIX, it suddenly became clear what my stories had been missing.
Without a skeleton, we’d all be big immovable blobs of flesh. What my trunk books needed was a proper skeleton. THE NOVEL MATRIX helped me see where the necessary bones were and the bones it still needed. This book contains a concise easy to remember structure: 1,3,5,7 which is one Universe, three acts, five conflicts and seven characters.
Brad’s illustrations help the reader/ author to see how this strategy is implemented by movie references. And even, how much freedom there is in using it. After all, every person has basically the same skeleton, but we all look significantly different from one another.
You can even use The Novel Matrix to see what might be missing in stories you’ve started that have gone flat or terribly off track. Yes, it’s going to take time and effort. If I’d had this book then, I would have saved myself a lot of time by implementing this incredibly effective plan from the get-go. I would have been a “Plantser!” (Equal parts of planning and pantsing.)
I’ve been a ghostwriter for over ten years and read thousands of books. As a former Amazon book reviewer, this is one of the most concise books I’ve read regarding story structure. It’s inspired me to dust off those old trunk books. I’ll be referring to The Novel Matrix while making the corrections that will make my future books worthy of my reader’s time and money.
I give it The Novel Matrix six out of five stars. #thenovelmatrix #bradpauquette

[Scot Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brad Pauquette maps out a strategy for successfully crafting a novel that is approachable and practical without being overly formulaic. Seldom is there a how-to book that qualifies as a page-turner. This book does that and more.

Throughout the book there is an emphasis on planning and execution of the Novel-Matrix strategy with relatable examples primarily from well-known films. It is refreshing to read a writing guide that focuses on application of principles rather than just laying out a procedural set of steps. In addition to an appendix with useful worksheets—both blank and illustrated with exemplary stories—the reader will find QR codes with useful downloadable material in many of the chapters.

Further, the author employs a succinct writing style to explain and outline key strategies, such as methods for creating a protagonist who is likable, flawed, ruined, and redeemed without compromising the morality of the main character. At the same time, Mr. Pauquette acknowledges the challenges and difficulty of putting together the pieces of a successful fiction novel. To this end, he devotes much of a chapter to debugging one’s story with a set of eight illuminating questions to ask and answer prior to completion.

After being just 40 pages into The Novel Matrix, I was forced to stop reading and apply some of the concepts toward improving my current work-in-progress historical fiction novel! Kudos to Brad for writing an extraordinarily practical book, information of which pours forth like liquid inspiration.

[Meagan Myhren-Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Novel Matrix
The Complete Novel Writing Guide
By Brad Pauquette

As anyone who has written a book will tell you it is a big deal. Writing takes work, dedication, and time. But how do you plan and structure the story you want to write so you can go from point A to point B?

In The Novel Matrix author Brad Pauquette calls upon his years of experience helping writers do just that and presents them in this book. I loved how he stated that story in your vehicle to change the world. And this book gives you the tools and knowledge to create your vehicle.

This book provides you with an understanding of the structure and elements you need understand to create a universe in which your story and the characters who live within it will come alive. This is the recipe for creating your story, it is up to you, the writer to follow it.

This book is a resource you'll want to have readily on hand to refer to as you'll want to refer to it throughout your writing journey. If you are in a writing group this will be a resource you'll want to share with your fellow writers - it provides good information in an easy to follow language that won't scare you away from the written page you are about to create.

I was provided a complimentary ARC of this title with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Advice

In general, I thought this book had many good insights. I liked The Greatest Story Ever Told chapter. I’m not the biggest movie fan, so I found it a little hard to connect with some of the anecdotes, but the warning at the start of the book was helpful for knowing where things were headed. Personally, I would have preferred more examples from books since I look for slightly different things in movies than I do in books to be entertained. But that’s just personal preference; I’m sure many people who love both, especially Star Wars fans, will be thrilled to see the references scattered throughout. I thought it interesting the singular mention of Tolkien’s works was to say Lord of the Rings is an example riddled with Deux Ex Machina, because the army of the dead wasn’t random nor was the them defeating orcs really anything in the books based on how meticulously we know Tolkien wrote his world. Perhaps in the theatrical edition of the Lord of the Rings it was, but it wasn’t random in the books nor in the Extended movie. Nonetheless, the point still makes sense in other contexts. Altogether, the book held a lot of great advice for deciding on character archetypes and plotting. It was worth reading, and I’d recommend it for people looking to improve their writing.

[Michelle Nezat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have the honor of knowing Brad Pauquette through his resources at The Company and personal coaching. While Brad's hours are limited, and not everyone is in a position for personal coaching, he has put together this gift for all who commit themselves to the principles and processes within.

In every good story, there is a trusted guide to help the protagonist achieve the impossible. Brad Pauquette has been my trusted guide in writing my first novel -- and everything Brad taught me is documented in this book.

Follow The Novel Matrix as your trusted guide and finish a story that works. I stopped trying to piece together advice from multiple sources and committed myself to Brad's advice, and I recommend you do the same. Follow the principles and processes in The Novel Matrix and get your next story out into the world.

[Savannah McCrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an extremely helpful book for understanding what makes a great story. Whether you're just getting started writing or you've been writing and studying the craft for years, I'd definitely recommend it. I'd learned about the three act story structure before, but still learned new things from this book. Even if (like me) you don't always want to follow all the plot points of traditional story structure exactly in your writing, I still think there is a lot of helpful information in The Novel Matrix. And it's not just about the story structure either; it also explores a story's universe, conflicts, characters, and more which I found especially helpful. It's also hard to find writing craft books written from a Christian perspective, so that was great, too!

[Colleen Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great time saver if you are trying hard to write a novel and getting no where near what you wanted. It shows you how to plan, plot, and develop everything, and goes into great detail on what a good story is with many common examples. It is easy to understand, and easy to skip ahead to a space you really need help with. Brad's basically just having a conversation with you in the words of this awesome book, and I'm pretty confident you'll find answers. He has everything all mapped out for you, and worksheets are even available to keep you organized and on target. I highly, highly recommend this book, it has helped me immensely.

[Katelyn Flatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many books like this claim to solve all your problems. "Just follow these three easy steps, and your novel will be a piece of cake!" Not this one. This one says "Writing a book is hard work. Let's make sure none of it is wasted." And that was a game changer for me.There's no magic solution that makes book writing easy, but this dramatically increases your odds of writing a book that's worth putting the work into. So many of my story ideas have never been able to take shape because I was missing something. As I made my way through this book, those missing somethings started showing up and popping into place. I can't wait to put the Novel Matrix to work in my own writing!

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Art imitates life because life is art created by The Artist.

I am finishing this book on Kindle Unlimited at the moment. I am a retired CSI and a new “full-time writer.” I have found myself a little overwhelmed by the fog of war caused by the hundreds of “how to” courses, books, podcasts, and videos available. Having read this in KU, I’m now buying a physical copy to mark up.

I found a solid base in your book from which to grow. In particular, Chapter 7, struck a chord with me. It really made me think about the whole writing gig and my purpose in it.

Art imitates life because life is art created by The Artist.

[Noah Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've gone through courses that help you write a novel, and while they worked, I've never found something as clear, comprehensive, and usable as the Novel Matrix.

Brad's method is logical, well-supported, and easy to implement. You can literally outline your novel in just a few hours and have a clear enough direction to finish your manuscript.

While I liked some of the teaching from other novel guides, this is the one that I'm going to carry through into my career. I don't think there's a better compliment I can give.

[Susan Macias · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read lots of story structure and novel craft books, but I find Novel Matrix the most clear, clean, and easy to follow. With the help in building my necessary skeleton I've jumped miles ahead with my next novel. Brad writes clearly and in a way that is easily relatable. If you already have a grasp on story structure but struggle to apply it, just jump in at Part Two and enjoy!

Highly recommended!

[Matt Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking for a book to help me ensure I understood story structure as this world in my head continues to grow. Scrolling through the writing books in Kindle Unlimited can be a bit hit or miss. This book went way beyond hit, and I was pleasantly surprised to see that it was also faith based in some parts. The Novel Matrix gave me a better understanding of a good story format. It uses movies that we all know and love to help explain the premise of each of the steps. There is even an entire chapter dedicated to how The Bible matches up to The Novel Matrix. I have to say this is, as of right now, my favorite book on the craft. I will be ordering myself a hard copy soon

Time saving note while reading: At the time that I read this, there were several QR codes that are supposed to take you to different resources throughout the Kindle book, but they all lead to the same Kurt Vonnegut video ... which was a great resource

[Anne Cullum · Rating 5 out of 5]

concise, thorough, comprehensive

I read this in one sitting today and it has opened my eyes to story anew.
Straightforward and effective in its no-nonsense avoidance of rhetoric, academia-style pandering, and over complicated generalizations.
I loved this work. How refreshing.
The way this is written enables you to feel confident in your artistry as an author … to be innovative and break new ground in storytelling is your right and freedom while adhering to just enough properly laid essentials pieces of the necessary while to ensure solid foundation. 💮

[Mike Sieminski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read a lot of books to help improve my writing and this one is definitely one to keep on your bookshelf. A lot of expert insights into world building, story structure, creating characters, and working in the perfect amount of conflict. Whether you’re new to writing or an experienced author, this book is a good buy.

[Writer4Jesus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great resource for all writers, both experienced and novice. It will enhance your writing process and allow you to be more efficient with your time while being endlessly creative. Easily the best book I've read on the writing craft:)

[Kyle Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

So thankful for this book! The simplicity of the characters, conflicts and acts gave me the ability to observe good stories, and it made story writing accessible. This book invites the reader into action and empowers growth to any who are willing to put in the work.

[Eric Lama · Rating 5 out of 5]

simple and easy way to write a book

You can’t go wrong with this book. It breaks storytelling down into easy to understand chunks and helps you outline the important things necessary for a good story. I have read various books on writing and this is in the top five.

[C.K. Slorra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoy making the impossible possible with a unique, engaging writing style. Make that book happen!

[KEVIN E · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful and digestible construct explaining why we, and how we effectively storytell in our creative writing endeavors.

[Luv Lubker]

Excellent. The Seven Characters helped me greatly with my new book, not to get either over or underwhelmed.