The Domino Effect and Writing Fiction
Domino is a game in which players score points by placing dominoes on the table edge-to-edge in such a way that their exposed ends match (i.e. one’s touch one’s or two’s touch two’s) and that their total number of dots is a multiple of five. In the event of a tie, the player with the lowest total count wins the hand. Players may also make plays off the sides of the first double that is played; however, this scoring variation only counts the total of the dominoes in that player’s opponents’ hands and does not add the player’s own total number of exposed dots.
In addition to its traditional use in games, domino can be used to create a variety of works of art. These can range from straight lines that form pictures when they fall to 3D structures like towers or pyramids. Creating these pieces of domino art requires patience and precision, and it’s not uncommon for the process to take hours or even days. But the results can be well worth the effort.
The physics behind these impressive creations is fairly simple: the center of gravity for a domino is very low, so all it needs to do to fall is be slightly pushed forward. Then, the laws of physics take over and amplify that small push into a massive chain reaction. This is what is known as the Domino Effect.
When it comes to writing fiction, there is a similar effect at play. If you start with a small idea, you can grow it into a novel full of action and character growth. But it’s important to remember that the key to a great story is progress, not results. The tiny actions that you do on a regular basis can lead to the large, positive outcome you’re after.
Whether you write your manuscript off the cuff or carefully follow an outline, the best stories are built on a foundation of strong scenes. When you’re plotting your story, consider how each scene logically connects to the next. For example, does your character’s goal shift based on the events and emotional beats that occur in previous scenes?
Aside from ensuring that each scene works, another critical element of plotting is to check all of your scenes for consistency. When your characters act consistently, they’ll come across as more relatable to readers. That’s why it’s important to test each section of your display before putting it all together.
In a similar way, Domino’s has tested its delivery service to ensure that it is working as efficiently as possible. As part of this effort, Domino’s CEO Don Meij went undercover on an episode of Undercover Boss and observed the company’s delivery drivers in action. This helped him understand the issues and develop new solutions to improve the company’s performance. As a result, Domino’s now has specially-designed vehicles and delivery routes that are designed to help it deliver the pizzas and other products that its customers want most.