A native of Blackburn, Lancashire, in the United Kingdom, David Gaston is a semi-retired teaching assistant and chess coach in primary schools. He is the manager of the Lancashire Under-9 and Under-11 chess teams. David is also an executive committee member of the Lancashire Chess Association, and he helped found the Crusaders Chess Club in 1991. In addition to playing and coaching chess, he enjoys watching football and reading. The Gallienus Chronicles, Vol. 1: The Road To the Throne was inspired by David's interest in Arthurian legends, particularly in the experiences and circumstances that shaped the character of King Arthur.