About Chris Wilkins
A Reason To Look Closer
The soulful writing and photography of Chris Wilkins
What if the ordinary moments in your life—your morning coffee, a trail through the woods, the soft hush of evening light—held extraordinary meaning?
Chris Wilkins believes they do. And once you’ve read his work or seen his photographs, you’ll begin to see it too.
Chris is a deeply spiritual writer and photographer walking the path of Buddhism, and his work reflects that quiet, mindful devotion. His writing isn’t loud. It doesn’t preach. Instead, it invites you to slow down, breathe, and notice—like a gentle bell in a meditation hall calling you back to presence.
With short, powerful essays full of warmth, humor, and hard-earned wisdom, Chris’s book A Reason to Live and his blog Motivated Outlook feel less like content and more like conversation. Or prayer. Or a hand on your shoulder when you need it most.
Then there are the photos.
Chris’s photography captures the stillness between thoughts. A shaft of light falling through pine trees. A weathered dock lost in fog. A single smile caught in perfect impermanence. Each image is its own meditation—honest, grounded, and reverent.
Together, his words and images are not just art. They are practice.
Published Articles
Chicago Story Press
Chicago Story Press
Chicago Story Press
On a scorching summer day, a man waits at a red light—watching a mother sandpiper desperately try to save her babies in a busy intersection. Torn between instinct and hesitation, he makes a choice he’ll never forget.
A Hero No More is a deeply moving true story about the weight of inaction, the quiet courage of compassion, and the moment t
On a scorching summer day, a man waits at a red light—watching a mother sandpiper desperately try to save her babies in a busy intersection. Torn between instinct and hesitation, he makes a choice he’ll never forget.
A Hero No More is a deeply moving true story about the weight of inaction, the quiet courage of compassion, and the moment that changed one man forever.
Read it. Reflect. You’ll carry it with you.
Edutopia
Chicago Story Press
Chicago Story Press
Want your next classroom brainstorming session to spark real creativity—not chaos?
This insightful and practical guide offers a step-by-step approach to helping students brainstorm with confidence, respect, and purpose. From setting clear protocols to encouraging second-round thinking, it shows you how to turn noisy idea storms into lightn
Want your next classroom brainstorming session to spark real creativity—not chaos?
This insightful and practical guide offers a step-by-step approach to helping students brainstorm with confidence, respect, and purpose. From setting clear protocols to encouraging second-round thinking, it shows you how to turn noisy idea storms into lightning strikes of innovation.
If you’ve ever watched student voices get drowned out or ideas shut down too quickly, this one’s for you.
Read now and spark something real.
Edutopia
Grand Magazine
Grand Magazine
Are your students truly part of the decision-making process—or just following orders? In Is Your Classroom an Active Democracy?, educator Chris Wilkins makes a powerful case for real student voice and choice in project-based learning (PBL). This inspiring and practical article explores how democratic classrooms empower learners, deepen en
Are your students truly part of the decision-making process—or just following orders? In Is Your Classroom an Active Democracy?, educator Chris Wilkins makes a powerful case for real student voice and choice in project-based learning (PBL). This inspiring and practical article explores how democratic classrooms empower learners, deepen engagement, and cultivate future-ready thinkers.
If you believe education should prepare students for more than just tests—this is the article to read.
Grand Magazine
Grand Magazine
Grand Magazine
The Chef is a quiet, tender reflection on aging, identity, and the gentle joy of being a grandfather. On the night before his 62nd birthday, Chris Wilkins finds himself caught in a swirl of self-reflection—until a simple exchange with his wife and the thought of five little grandchildren bring everything back into focus. This story is a warm reminder of what truly matters as the years pass.
Currently Working On: Guardians of Ink
Their Worlds are in Chaos
Their Worlds are in Chaos
Their Worlds are in Chaos
In Guardians of Ink, ancient myth, living tattoos, and buried secrets ignite in a modern-day battle between light and darkness. When Camelia discovers her ink is alive—and her destiny divine—she must embrace her true identity as a reincarnated goddess. With a red-haired warrior at her side and monsters rising from the underworld, everythi
In Guardians of Ink, ancient myth, living tattoos, and buried secrets ignite in a modern-day battle between light and darkness. When Camelia discovers her ink is alive—and her destiny divine—she must embrace her true identity as a reincarnated goddess. With a red-haired warrior at her side and monsters rising from the underworld, everything she loves is on the line. Start the journey with the first chapter—your skin may never feel the same again.
A Father's Wish
Their Worlds are in Chaos
Their Worlds are in Chaos
In A Father’s Wish, Chris Wilkins shares a deeply moving, raw, and beautifully written account of love, loss, and the quiet heartbreak of estrangement from a daughter. With powerful emotional honesty and hard-won wisdom, he reflects on the complexity of fatherhood, forgiveness, and the healing grace of family. This unforgettable essay wil
In A Father’s Wish, Chris Wilkins shares a deeply moving, raw, and beautifully written account of love, loss, and the quiet heartbreak of estrangement from a daughter. With powerful emotional honesty and hard-won wisdom, he reflects on the complexity of fatherhood, forgiveness, and the healing grace of family. This unforgettable essay will resonate with anyone who has ever loved deeply and lost without reason. Read it—you’ll feel less alone.
Books by Chris Wilkins
A Reason to Live is a soulful memoir of nature, mortality, and mindful presence. Through heartfelt stories and spiritual reflection, Chris Wilkins invites readers to rediscover beauty, meaning, and resilience in everyday life. Let this inspiring journey move you—purchase your copy today and start your own transformation.
Spiritual. Reflective. Grounded.
A Reason to Live is a beautifully written memoir of healing, reflection, and spiritual discovery. Narrated by Michael Johnson, the audiobook brings each story to life with his melodious, calm voice—creating a deeply immersive and soothing experience. Let his narration guide you—listen today and rediscover what truly matters.
Autographed by the Author
Autographed by the Author
Autographed by the Author
Mountain Musings: An Unusual Conversation:
Mountain Musings is a soulful celebration of mountain life, filled with heartfelt stories, breathtaking photography, and reflections on nature, love, and stillness. Every page invites you to slow down, smile, and reconnect with what matters. Order your personally autographed copy today—I'll sign and mail it directly to you.
Autographed by the Author
Autographed by the Author
Autographed by the Author
North Georgia in Black & White is a soulful, witty, and beautifully photographed journey through mountain life, blending nature’s quiet wisdom with heartfelt storytelling. From misty forests to nostalgic trucks and curious goats, each page delights the senses. Order now—I'll autograph and mail your personal copy straight to you.