The Domino Effect in Writing

domino

Domino, or dominoes (plural), are a type of game that involve laying tiles in rows or angular patterns. Each tile is either blank or bearing from one to six pips or dots; 28 such pieces make up a full set. Some games involve scoring by awarding the number of pips on an opposing player’s tiles; others, such as “Dominoes” or “Spinners,” simply award the first person to reach a certain number in a given number of rounds.

Domino has been played with for centuries and continues to fascinate people of all ages. Its popularity has grown with the advent of online gaming and smartphone apps that replicate the traditional game’s rules and regulations.

Aside from a few specialized sets made of unusual materials such as marble, granite or soapstone, dominoes are typically manufactured out of wood, with ebony blacks and ivory whites being the most common color combination. They’re also sometimes fashioned out of metals like brass or pewter, glass and ceramic clay.

Many people play domino as a form of relaxation and stress relief, while others enjoy the challenge of trying to complete an intricate pattern. Some even use the game as a means of teaching math skills and other cognitive abilities.

Although Domino’s has long been known for its pizza, it has recently expanded into other food items such as chicken wings and breakfast sandwiches. It has also experimented with delivery by drones and robotic vehicles, all in an effort to find the right formula for success.

In addition to its core product, Domino’s has realized that the key to success is ensuring its locations are situated in strategic spots where they can best serve customers. For example, the company prioritizes putting its stores near college campuses to appeal to young adults who are hungry for quick meals on-the-go.

Whether you’re writing a book off the cuff or following an outline, plotting your novel ultimately comes down to one question: What will happen next? Considering how to use the domino effect in your work can help you answer this question in a way that’s both exciting and compelling to your readers. As a writer, think of each plot beat in your work as a domino that must fall before the next piece can be laid. If each domino is placed in the right place, your story will have a chain reaction that keeps your reader engaged.