A domino is a small, flat rectangular block used as a gaming object. Also known as bones, pieces, men, tiles, or cards, dominoes are often played by putting them edge-to-edge against each other so that the matching ends touch. Each domino has a square side that is marked with an arrangement of spots or pips, similar to those on a die, and a blank side. Most domino sets have a number of colors, although white dominoes with black pips are most common.
Dominoes are popular toys for kids, and many adults enjoy playing games with them, too. Some people like to line them up in long rows, while others try to knock them over. Regardless of how they’re used, there’s something magical about watching a long string of dominoes topple over with the nudge of just one.
The same principle holds true for many aspects of our lives, from the way we start a day to how a small victory can influence our mood and motivation. For example, a recent study found that just a little bit of exercise can make us feel happier and more productive. In addition, it’s well-documented that a good night’s sleep makes us more resilient to stress.
Another important aspect of our everyday lives is the way we set goals for ourselves. For example, if we want to lose weight or save money, we might create an action plan with specific steps and a timeline. We might even track our progress to see how far we’ve come in meeting our goals. But what happens if we miss a deadline? Or what if we’re too busy to finish our work? If we don’t deal with these issues, they could lead to bigger problems down the road.
When you’re writing a story, the domino effect can be an effective tool for creating tension and pacing. The key is to make sure that each scene logically follows the scene before it. If you write a scene that runs counter to what most readers consider to be logical, the domino effect won’t work, and the reader may not believe in your character’s actions.
For example, if your hero is about to shoot a stranger or have an affair, you’ll need to provide enough logic for the reader to either let the immoral act slide or continue to like the protagonist. A good way to test this is to look back over the last few scenes and check that they all logically connect. If not, consider making some small adjustments to the story before it’s published. That’s what Hevesh does when she’s preparing for her domino shows, and it’s one of the reasons why she’s so successful. She tries to anticipate every possible problem and build her setups accordingly. She even tests her 3-D creations in slow motion to ensure that each piece is functioning perfectly before putting them all together. This kind of meticulous preparation is what enables her to perform impressive displays in front of thousands of fans.