It can be hard to keep all the little details straight while writing a story. Trust me on this. What seems obvious to someone seeing it for a first time is invisible to someone who’s been slaving over it for months or years. Can’t see the forest for the trees, or past our own blind spots.

But if an author does most things right? I’ll allow it. I’ll let the little things slide when you’re doing most things right.

Take the first episode of No Game No Life. It was awfully convenient that the main characters had a solar charger for their devices – even though they were shut-ins who never went outside – but it didn’t really bother me. After an episode where everything was done well, I let it pass. The author had earned that much at least.

Or take the 13th episode of the first season of Mushishi, which I just watched tonight. (I’m still catching up.) It was awfully convenient that the one time in 20 years the mushi bridge formed was one of the two nights Ginko was there, but after the series has done so much well, I’ll allow it. It also fits the ethos of the series, so I wouldn’t even call this a flaw.

The lesson for the author is that you have to pay attention to all the little details in the hope that you’ll get enough right for your mistakes to be forgiven. The lesson for the reader is to forgive the mistakes of those authors who give you stories you love. It’s hard, it really is. Reward those who get close with a little lenience once in a while.