Domino is a small rectangular wood or plastic block that has one side that features a pattern of dots resembling those on dice and another that is blank or marked only with numbers from zero to six. When these dots are arranged together in a certain way, they form a line that can be used for playing games of chance and strategy.
Dominoes are often arranged in elaborate 3-D structures or in long lines to create shapes and figures such as houses, trains, and animals. They are also used to build towers of varying heights and for many types of artistic expression. One well-known artist, Hevesh, builds amazing domino art pieces that are sometimes so large that they require special trucks to transport and set up. Hevesh meticulously tests her creations before assembling them into larger units, ensuring that each section of the work is functioning properly. She even films her tests in slow motion to see what changes she needs to make to ensure the entire piece works as intended.
Traditionally, domino sets are made from either bone or silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell (mother of pearl or MOP), ivory, or a dark hardwood such as ebony. Other materials have been used as well, including a variety of stone (e.g., marble or granite); other woods (such as birch, sycamore, and oak); metals; ceramic clay; and other materials such as marbles, soapstones, and even crystal and glass. These sets tend to be heavier and more expensive than those made from polymer materials, but they have a novel look and feel that many people find appealing.
While many of the most popular domino games involve blocking and scoring, a number of other game variants exist as well. These games may be based on solitaire or trick-taking. Some of these games were originally developed to circumvent religious prohibitions against the playing of cards.
When it comes to writing, I like to think of every scene in a story as a domino. Each scene can’t stand alone, but when you combine them all together, they create an impressive and exciting chain reaction.
When you’re composing your manuscript, thinking of the effect each scene will have on the next is an excellent way to help ensure that your story has the right amount of tension and momentum. In fact, I suggest that you consider using this technique for each scene in your story, regardless of whether it’s fiction or nonfiction.