When you think of domino, you probably picture the beautiful and intricate constructions that domino artists create. They set up a row of pieces, then simply tip one ever-so-slightly and it cascades down in an impressive display. In writing, we can often use the metaphor of the domino effect to describe any actions that cascade in a similar way.
Dominoes have been around for centuries and are cousins of playing cards. They allow for many different games and tests of skill and patience. They can also be used to teach kids number recognition and counting. Historically, they’ve been made from various materials including bone, silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell (mother of pearl), ivory, and a dark hardwood like ebony with contrasting black or white pips inlaid or painted on them. Most modern domino sets are made from polymer, although some manufacturers make them from wood and bone for a more traditional look or from ceramic clay for novelty sets.
The word “domino” comes from the Latin dominium, meaning “to dominate.” It is believed to have been borrowed into French about 1750 where it acquired its current sense of the game. Earlier, it denoted a long hooded cloak worn together with a mask during carnival season or at a masquerade.
While dominoes may look easy to set up and then fall, the process requires a great deal of work and planning. The most complex setups take several nail-biting minutes to fall, and each individual piece must be carefully positioned so that it will reach the right spot to trigger the rest. It’s also important to know how much force is needed for each push because overdoing it could cause a domino to fall at the wrong spot or even overturn the entire structure.
As a writer, you can use the domino image to help plan out your story and ensure that it falls into place at just the right moments. If you’re a panster, or write by the seat of your pants instead of using an outline tool like Scrivener, it’s especially crucial to do a “domino check” after each scene. Do your scenes logically progress and shift the emotional beats of the hero as they should? If not, it’s time to start reworking.
A People Operations professional with experience implementing progressive and strategic HR initiatives at high growth companies to support organizational goals, Melissa leads Domino’s People team with a strong background in performance management, compensation, workforce planning, employee relations, compliance, coaching and more. She believes strongly in enabling talent to be the best they can be. She also brings a deep understanding of the impact that a positive workplace has on an organization’s success. She currently resides in San Francisco, CA with her husband and two children.