Writing About Dominoes

Domino is a small, flat rectangular block that is used as a game piece. It has a line down the middle that separates it into two squares, and each end has a number of spots—called pips—on it. Dominos can be used as a game or to create artistic creations. They can also be stacked on one another in long lines to create designs and structures. Some games use dominoes to score points, while others involve blocking opponents’ play. Dominoes are similar to dice and playing cards in that they can be used for many different types of games.

In writing, a domino effect refers to a chain reaction that causes a sequence of events that has much greater—and often catastrophic—consequences than the initial event. Dominoes can be a good metaphor for the chain reaction that occurs when someone takes a small action that has a large impact on those around them. For example, if someone drops a penny on the sidewalk, it can cause hundreds or even thousands of people to pick it up and drop it elsewhere. This effect is the basis of many popular fables, including the “Aesop’s Fables” story about the ants and the elephant.

The domino effect can be a powerful tool for writers, because it shows how one simple action can have far-reaching consequences. It’s important for a writer to understand how the domino effect works so that he or she can create stories with logical action that flows from one scene to the next.

Domino’s was in trouble in the late 2000s, with declining sales and a huge debt load that threatened its ability to pay its bills. Its previous CEO, David Brandon, had tried to improve the company’s fortunes by introducing new products and expanding the menu beyond pizza. But his efforts were not enough, and Domino’s was in danger of disappearing from the market.

To turn things around, Domino’s hired a man named Dominick Doyle as the new CEO. Doyle’s plan was to get back to the basics by focusing on the customer and making sure Domino’s employees were trained to deliver quality service. He also worked to improve efficiency in the company, reducing overhead expenses and streamlining operations. Domino’s stock price increased by more than 10 percent after Doyle became CEO.

Like Hevesh when she creates her mind-blowing domino setups, Domino’s leaders must be able to see how a single change can have an impact on the whole company. To do this, they need a clear vision of what is possible and the confidence to believe in it. This kind of vision is what sets successful companies apart from their competitors.

If you’re a “pantser” who doesn’t make detailed outlines of plot ahead of time, you can still use the domino image to help you weed out scenes that don’t have a logical connection to those that come before them. For instance, if you write a scene where your heroine uncovers a clue in the case but then the subsequent scenes don’t raise the tension enough to keep readers interested, something is off.