Florence Scovel Shinn (1871–1940) began her career as an artist and illustrator, contributing to magazines like Harper's and illustrating novels such as 'Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch.' She was recognized by the Society of Illustrators early in her career. In her middle years, Shinn transitioned into a spiritual teacher and writer within the New Thought movement. Her most recognized work, 'The Game of Life and How to Play It' (1925), introduced her philosophy that individuals control their reality through their thoughts and spoken words, attracting what they focus on. She believed in the power of affirmations and positive thinking, often illustrating her points with anecdotes. Her teachings emphasized tapping into divine power for personal success and well-being. Shinn's work is considered a continuation of earlier New Thought figures like Phineas Quimby and Mary Baker Eddy, and she influenced later authors such as Louise Hay.

Born in Camden, New Jersey, Florence Scovel Shinn's early life was marked by artistic pursuits. She studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and worked as a successful illustrator in the early 1900s. Her illustrations were noted for their humor and ability to convey a joyful atmosphere, even in depicting simple or pitiable figures. This artistic sensibility, characterized by a keen sense of humor and an uplifting perspective, later informed her metaphysical writings. After her marriage to artist Everett Shinn and a period living in Greenwich Village, their eventual divorce in 1912 may have coincided with or preceded her significant shift in focus from visual arts to spiritual teachings and writing.

Shinn became a prominent figure in the New Thought movement, articulating a philosophy centered on the power of the mind and spoken word. Her seminal work, 'The Game of Life and How to Play It' (1925), became widely influential. In it, she posited that individuals are the architects of their own experiences, unknowingly directing invisible forces through their thoughts and declarations. Shinn taught that positive thinking and verbal affirmations could manifest desired outcomes, drawing parallels to biblical teachings. She believed that God's power is accessible to all, enabling the realization of personal desires when one learns to connect with this divine source. Her approach often involved practical advice and real-life examples to illustrate the principles of manifesting success and overcoming challenges.

Following the success of 'The Game of Life,' Shinn published other works such as 'Your Word is Your Wand' (1928) and 'The Secret Door to Success' (1940). Several books, including 'The Magic Path of Intuition,' were published posthumously. Her teachings continued to resonate, with her works being released as audiobooks in the 2010s. Shinn is recognized as part of the New Thought tradition, alongside figures like Phineas Quimby and Mary Baker Eddy. Her legacy as a metaphysical author and spiritual teacher is acknowledged by later proponents of positive thinking and self-help, such as Louise Hay, who cited Shinn as an early influence.

“The invisible forces are ever working for man who is always "pulling the strings" himself, though he does not know it. Owing to the vibratory power of words, whatever man voices, he begins to attract.--The Game of Life, Florence Scovel Shinn”