About Gavin

The author of Nathan Cartwright’s Week to Remember, Gavin Douglas, has had a life as interesting as his first book. Gavin was born in 1962 and developed his skills in the injection molding industry after an apprenticeship in toolmaking. He earned a remarkable 32-year career in the Royal Air Force, rising to the rank of senior commissioned officer, as a result of his pursuit of greatness. After retirement, Gavin remained active in the military, representing a global organization with the same commitment that characterized his career.

Writing this novel marks Gavin’s first foray into fiction; it was more than just a creative pursuit—a bucket-list challenge, a personal milestone he set out to conquer. There is a moving backstory to the decision to write under the pen name Phillip G.D. Jones. During a life-altering meeting with his birth mother and extended family at the age of 48, Gavin learned that Phillip Jones was his birth name. To show respect for his adoptive parents, whose unfailing love and guidance had influenced his life, Gavin, who grew up with his identical twin brother, decided not to look for his biological parents earlier. He reconnected with his birth mother before his adoptive mother passed away, though she was senile by that time.

Eventually, restoring contact with his birth mother, was a life-changing and emotional experience. Gavin learned that his birth mother lived close to them without their knowledge. Gavin cherishes the moments they made together, which are full of healing, laughter, and storytelling. Another aspect of Gavin’s identity was uncovered via a DNA test, which revealed that he most likely has a South Asian heritage. This unexpected discovery gave his sense of self even more depth. Even though there are still unanswered questions regarding his biological father, Gavin has gracefully accepted his complicated and rich past.

Today, Gavin and his devoted wife, Lizzie, enjoy the pleasures of raising four grown sons. He pursues his loves of rock drumming and motorcycle trial riding when he isn’t writing fiction. Even though this is his first book—and perhaps his last—its publication marks a successful phase in a life full of richness and activity.

Whether his future includes more literary ventures remains to be seen, but with Nathan Cartwright’s Week to Remember, Gavin Douglas proves that every challenge can lead to extraordinary accomplishments, no matter how unexpected.