David Hierholzer

About the Author

David Hierholzer is a former freelance photojournalist from northwest Ohio whose path to storytelling was shaped by perseverance. As a child, he struggled with severe dyslexia, which made traditional reading and writing difficult. Storytelling, however, came naturally. He found his voice first through photography, learning to frame moments, emotion, and narrative through the lens of a camera. Later in life, as technology finally bridged that gap, he was able to put pen to paper and tell stories in words as vividly as he once did in images.

For more than thirty years, David and his wife, Tracy, have been drawn back to Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Dunes and the shores of Lake Michigan. They are captivated by the region’s raw beauty, ever-changing weather, towering dunes, and rich maritime history. One early camping trip left a lasting impression: a warm June afternoon followed by a violent storm, towering waves, and snow by morning—a reminder of the Great Lakes’ power and unpredictability that continues to influence his writing.

David believes strongly in preserving real history and real places, especially as so much has already been lost or forgotten. That commitment is reflected in his work, which blends historical detail with heartfelt storytelling. Aurora: The Bear-Dog of Sleeping Bear Point was inspired by one of his Newfoundland dogs, Aurora, after watching her lie on the shores of Lake Michigan, quietly keeping watch over swimmers as if it were her duty. The moment echoed the historic role Newfoundlands played as working and rescue dogs along the Great Lakes.

Through his stories, David hopes readers gain a deeper appreciation for Great Lakes history, the people who helped shape the region, and the extraordinary bond between humans and animals. Themes of loyalty, courage, and place emerge naturally in his work, guided by research, imagination, and a lifelong love of adventure.

When he’s not writing, David works full-time in the automotive industry, a trade he grew up around, and enjoys life on his small farm—gardening, landscaping, and finding inspiration in the quiet rhythms of rural life.