Florence Scovel Shinn was an American artist and book illustrator who became a New Thought spiritual teacher and metaphysical writer. In New Thought circles, she is best known for her first book, The Game of Life and how to Play It. Her metaphysical works began with The Game of Life and How to Play It in 1925. Your Word is Your Wand, published in 1928 and The Secret Door to Success in 1940 furthered her explanations of the understanding of God and man. The Power of the Spoken Word is a compendium of her notes and released posthumously in 1945. Her philosophy centers on the power of positive thought and usually includes instructions for verbal or physical affirmation. Shinn advice often follows the path of "It is safe to say that all sickness and unhappiness come from the violation of the law of love. A new commandment I give unto you, 'Love one another, ' and in The Game of Life, love or goodwill takes every trick."