The Domino Effect in Writing
Domino is a small, flat piece of wood or plastic that is arranged in long lines. When one domino is tipped ever-so-slightly, the others cascade in a beautiful rhythmic motion. Dominoes are used to play games and create intricate sculptures, and they have even been employed as building materials in modern skyscrapers. They are also the basis for a common phrase, the “domino effect,” which refers to any action that leads to much greater–and sometimes disastrous–consequences.
Several popular television shows feature builders creating impressive domino structures. In these shows, the builder carefully sets up hundreds or thousands of pieces and then nudges just one to cause them all to fall in a mesmerizing display before an audience of fans. Domino effects are also often featured in competitions where domino builders create their most elaborate and imaginative structures before a live audience.
Like the pieces in a game of domino, the act of plotting a novel can be likened to a chain reaction. Whether the writer composes their manuscript off the cuff or spends time with a detailed outline, the process of writing a novel is ultimately about constructing an orderly sequence of events that will lead to a satisfying conclusion for the reader. This process requires careful thinking and planning, but it is important to remember that the most successful novels aren’t just about action; they’re about reaction.
The concept of domino is a fascinating one to consider when analyzing the structure of a novel or any other written work. After all, a story is like a line of dominoes: when the first one is tipped over, it triggers a chain reaction that can culminate in either a satisfying conclusion or a catastrophic event.
When it comes to writing, the domino principle is particularly useful in determining the proper pace for scenes. If the author tries to push a scene too quickly, the reader might be overwhelmed or become bored. On the other hand, a slow pace can make a scene seem dreary or dull, and it can also lead to an unsatisfactory end.
In the early 1960s, Domino’s Pizza founder Tom Monaghan began opening franchise locations in Ypsilanti, Michigan. His strategy was simple: he sought out areas near college campuses, where his target audience was most likely to be found. This approach allowed him to capitalize on the growing demand for quick and easy meals.
Domino’s success grew rapidly in the years that followed, and by the 1970s, it had established itself as a nationwide chain. In 1973, the company incorporated and adopted the name Domino’s Pizza.
Definition of Domino
Any of 28 small, oblong pieces, marked with an arrangement of dots or pips similar to those on a die, and used in the game of domino. The word is derived from the Latin dominus, the oblique case of dominus (“lord, master”), and it was recorded in English in the 17th century. It may have also been inspired by an earlier sense of the word, which denoted a loose hooded cloak worn together with a mask at masquerades.