Dirk wrote his first script at age 13, a leap that led to a nearly 30-year career in video production through his own business ventures, before becoming Media Director for non-profit, US-based organizations in Grand Haven, Michigan, and Orlando, Florida.
Dirk attended Columbia College Chicago, where he honed his screenwriting craft and directing skills. Dirk has helmed innumerable projects, earning a solid reputation for professionalism. He was a pioneer in the burgeoning digital video era, and is a former board member of the West Michigan Film-Video Alliance. Dirk rounded out his media career as a freelancer for business and broadcast projects.
Dirk has taught enrichment courses on the topics of screenwriting and motion picture directing, and has led seminars as a conference speaker.
Dirk’s work has taken him across America, to Europe, Africa, and the Israel. He holds two Associate’s degrees, and a Bachelor’s degree in Intelligence Studies from American Public University.
Retired from media production, Dirk now works in administration for a manufacturing company near Detroit, Michigan. In his off time, Dirk enjoys back-country camping, weight training, model building, and driving his Ford Mustang.
Dirk’s Favorite Projects, Books, & Hobbies
Perhaps the stand-out project of my career was something I directed in the mid 2000s for The Scriptorium: Center for Biblical Antiquities, an elaborate museum housing one of the largest private collections of ancient biblical scrolls, manuscripts, and artifacts in the world. I worked with some brilliant scholars and doctors of theology, and gained a deep appreciation for the historicity of the artifacts and their contribution to the Christian faith and to the academic community. In a quest to untangle matters of my own personal faith, I also asked an abundance of questions along the way. The project culminated in a 2-hour documentary, which debuted in 2006 on DVD, and was broadcast in a 60-minute version on cable networks. (The Collection was highlighted in the December 2018 cover story in National Geographic Magazine: “Inside the cloak-and-dagger search for sacred texts.”)
My favorite novels include Dr. No by Ian Fleming, The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett, Sense & Sensibility by Jane Austen, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, The Far Side of the World by Patrick O’Brian, Candide by Voltaire, Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe, Get Shorty by Elmore Leonard, A Painted House by John Grisham, The Log From The Sea Of Cortez by John Steinbeck, The Old Man And The Sea by Ernest Hemingway. I also draw influence from the Screenplays of screenwriter William Goldman, and the lyrics of celebrated Canadian folksinger Gordon Lightfoot.
My son and I like to go back-country hiking and camping. We’ve collected lots of gear over the years like a tent, cooking gear, lantern, glow sticks, camp chairs, water filter, and more—everything we need to enjoy time in the woods, rivers, and mountains. We’ve traversed the Manistee River Trail, the Smoky Mountains, South Manitou Island, and most recently the Mojave Desert.
The most famous spaceship in the world—the Millennium Falcon from Star Wars. This one’s my pride and joy. I built this from a kit, then custom mixed all the paints to match the ship as seen in The Empire Strikes Back. Internally, I installed a fluorescent circline tube to serve as the bright-white engine light, and outfitted the cockpit with 85 fiber optic lights. My other website—DSE MODELS—features my favorite works.
Ever since I was 19, I have enjoyed training with free weights. It was kind of my sport, because I was never that good at team sports. These days, in spring & summer, I average 5 days a week in the gym, jogging, and biking. The gym is like my second home, and it feels great to know I’m doing my best to take care of myself. I learned a lot from Master Fitness Trainer Tim Michaels and workout coach Kelsey Sanders.
Yes, I do love my car, a 2018 Ford Mustang premium that I like to keep crystal-clean inside and out, which is not always accomplished in the messy Michigan winters! I’m proud to own it and it’s an absolute joy to drive. Prior to this I had a 2006 Mustang in windveil blue that I had for 9 wonderful years.
The Tempest In Glass novel by author Dirk Eichhorst is an adventurous mystery-thriller with an edge of supernatural fantasy. The Tempest In Glass earned excellent reviews and high praise from readers. The Tempest In Glass is available in print and eBook from Barnes & Noble. The Tempest In Glass audio book will be available in late 2026. A new action-thriller book series called ZURI JADE KING by author Dirk Eichhorst is in the works and will be available from Barnes and Noble.
