Comment by maruko on On making fictional miracles seem plausible · 2021-06-01T15:00:36.762Z · LW · GW

While I can't think of an answer to your question, an example for the second kind of story comes to mind.

In The Martian by Andy Weir at some point an airlock breaks. This is lead up to by small passages  of the manufacturing process, packaging, set up etc. of the airlock in between the actual story, reaching back some chapters, if I recall correctly.

If the airlock had broken without any sign, the scene would seem only dramatic for the purpose of drama, this way at least the reader some kind of explaination.

However, for me the interludes withe the airlock felt to out of style for the book. It was totally obvious they would be leading to something, so I was glad when the story got it over with.