1980's: not a time period but a state of mind.

Don't underestimate her ability to talk, it's her superpower.

Then I realized that most of the world's problems stemmed from macho dickheadism, and if I cold defeat that I could save the world.

It’s only a scratch, don’t cut my arm off!

One inch at a time, that was how her father had taught her. You can't do anything but worry about the few inches right in front of you.

Why vampires? You write centuries-long family sagas—why not write historical epics without any hint of the supernatural?" "Well, that would be boring, wouldn't it?" "Yeah, God only knows what Tolstoy was thinking.

You're lucky to have a friend who will kill for you." So. I once had a friend who died for me, and now one who killed for me. Why didn't I feel lucky?