User blog comment:LordTBT/News:RIP Brian Jacques, 1939-2011/@comment-1399757-20110208230925

I must thank Mr. Jacques for all he's done in influencing my life through his literature. If it weren't for his books I probably never would have picked up on artistry [inspired by the illustrations in his books] and I certainly never would have picked up a knack for writing [How I was inspired is quite obvious I hope].

I first heard about Redwall from a friend of mine - he had told me on several occasions of this series that was really good. I decided to look for it at the library one day, and found it. After some contemplation I promptly checked out and tried to get out of the library as soon as possible, being shamed by carrying a book with a sword-wielding badger on its cover [I was about 13 at this time I believe, so you know :P]. It sat for probably a week - me not daring to touch it in front of my family, again, for the fact that I knew it was about talking animals. Then I came down with a cold, and bored with nothing else to do, I resigned myself to the couch. There was nothing in my small pile of books that suited my taste at the time, and the sword-wielding animal was starting to look kind of intriguing, so I picked it up and started reading. I skipped the prologue and went right to the first chapter - becoming an instant fan after finishing it and becoming an artist/decent writer 2 years later. 80% thanks to his influence through literature.

I hope Mr. Jacques is enjoying the glories of heaven and that his family will be consoled in his passing. Rest in peace, Mr. Jacques.