User blog comment:LordTBT/News:RIP Brian Jacques, 1939-2011/@comment-70.68.177.10-20110208044652

I met him once, at a book signing in WA state, when I still lived there. I was one of the oldest kids there, at 13 or 14...but he was the kind of guy I wanted to invite over for dinner or something just so I could listen to his stories. He was a fascinating storyteller. He recited one of the first passages of "Redwall" pretty much word for word, I remember; as I recall, it was the chapter where Cluny was introduced. I also remember I prepared a bunch of flattering things to say to him once I got to the table, but once I got there, I blanked and asked him how his wrists were. :P

The Redwall series permanently captured me when I discovered it in 3rd or 4th grade, which seems pretty late compared to most. But it was one of the few series I actually read and re-read--I still do, and flip through them often when I'm trying to remember a character name or event. His books were one of the most powerful influences I had in my childhood; after I discovered the Redwall series, I aspired to write books just like him when I grew up. Although I'll never be a writer (despite my teachers protests), he was the reason I acquired a decent vocabulary and just a knack for writing, though I think the amount of skill I have is debatable.

Thinking more on it, if it weren't for Brian Jacques, I never would've started drawing, either. My fursona was originally a Redwall (Mary Sue *hangs head in shame*) fancharacter who has since evolved. Creating Funaaba inspired me to write and draw, and get better.

But I digress.

Thanks, Brian Jacques. I don't think I can thank you enough. Tell the angels/spirits/whatever lives in whatever afterworld that exists according to differing religions and spiritual practices a good yarn or two while you're up there.