Recently, I asked God for a new perspective. My anxiety was at an all-time high, and I felt stagnant. The Complete Works of Florence Scovel Shinn was my answer.

I’m frequently divinely guided to spiritual books through my intuition, and when I found this one, I expected it to be just that — another spiritual book. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find it is actually a book of affirmations, and stories proving those affirmations, for manifestation of success with the law of attraction. It’s interesting because as spiritual as I am, every time I saw the “law of attraction” anywhere, I thought it was silly. Me. Who usually thinks anything is possible and loves the word “miracle”. I thought the law of attraction was silly! So, God led me to it through a book I thought was something else to prove me wrong. When we are meant to find something, it usually finds us.

This book is heavily based on biblical scripture. If you happen to not be a follower of Christianity, don’t let that deter you. I am simply spiritual, not belonging to any particular faith (I mix them all together), and I found this book incredibly rewarding. It is relevant to all faiths and to any aspect of your life you want blessed. When it comes to writing in particular, it is perfect for all stages of the writing process, self-published authors, and authors with book deals, even movie deals! Literally anyone and everyone!

After reading, I was inspired to write a “law of attraction” post for writers since we tend to beat ourselves up with useless anxiety and self-doubt over ourselves, our lives, and our creations. One of the most important things we can do for ourselves is convert our negative thoughts to positive thoughts. Shinn mentions often we must turn fearful thoughts into faith and thoughts of lack into abundance. Her emphasis throughout the entire book is on choosing our words carefully as we see them manifest in the success of our daily lives. I thought that was fascinating because I naturally already avoid speaking and writing certain words I don’t like.

As I read, I made many conclusions about how her words pertain to writing (she doesn’t talk about writing outright; she primarily speaks of success in business, love, and health):

• Live like you’re already a successful writer with optimism, which means you can’t write with the nagging fear people won’t like your books. Your words should be written with positive energy to lead you to successful sales and five-star ratings. Also, if you write with joy and confidence, you can spread those feelings to others.
• You should view other writers not as competition, but as friends you want success for. Send other writers blessings, and you will see abundance in your own career.
• If you do “fail”, recognize it as a surprise blessing, for the true blessing in greater success is right around the corner (which might not have been possible if you were granted your original wish). This idea reminds me of the song “Unanswered Prayers” by Garth Brooks, which is a wonderful country song from 1990 about faith in everything happening for a reason.
• If you want others to invest in your writing, invest in others’ writing. Meaning: buy books, even if you feel you don’t have a lot of money. Convert those feelings of lack to feelings of abundance. Spend with confidence that God will replenish your money and more, and people will buy your books, too! By preparing for your own abundance through confident spending in others’ abundance, it shows faith and trust in God’s will and your ultimate success.
• Be yourself! Anyone can spot a hack through forced words to make a quick buck.
• Believe in miracles as abundance comes in unexpected ways without a basis in “reality”. Basically, don’t think it through. Just write! Follow your inspiration and intuition when writing, not your rationalizing mind. Your heart is a better guide than an anxious mind.
• “Let go and let God.” This phrase is an overarching theme of the book. You can apply this idea to any part of the writing process and after, wherever you need a little extra faith.
• Rely on God, not yourself. There is nothing more freeing than taking a leap of faith and putting your worries and doubts in God’s hands.
• Write with praise and thanksgiving to God, for success was in the cards for you before you even asked for it.
• Love writing. Writing should be fun. Life should be fun. God wants it to be fun for us! And, when you love your writing, readers will love it, too!

As writers, we know words have power. By practicing these affirmations and making them a habit, let’s claim our success:

• When in doubt of what to write or what to do when it’s finished: “Infinite Spirit, open the way for the Divine Design of my life to manifest; let the genius within me now be released; let me see clearly the perfect plan.” (p. 60)
• To defeat writer’s block and become aware of every opportunity to write/ find an agent/ sell a book: “I never miss a trick,” (p. 64) and, “I look with wonder at which is before me.” (p. 96)
• To start/ finish a project or to find success in book sales/ a movie deal: “Now is the appointed time. Today is the day of my amazing good fortune.” (p. 176)
• Transforming book sales: Instead of saying with frustration, “No one is buying my book,” say with optimism and expectancy, “The right people are finding my book in divine time.” (We say “the right people” because we want people who like our books to be the ones reading them!)
• Tack on “by divine right under grace in a perfect way” to your affirmations to make it very clear that the circumstances of success will be fortunate ones and the ones you want.

There are many passages and affirmations to battle anxiety (which Florence Shinn calls the “army of the aliens”, or persistent negative thoughts). On p. 246, she tells us to be persistent with positive affirmations against the persistent difficult thoughts, and eventually our positive affirmations win out. I can say that after four days of doing just that, I feel much better. I genuinely feel relieved, which is a highly sought-after state when suffering from anxiety. There are also two whole chapters devoted to conquering fear and anxiety (p. 270-283) to look forward to if anxiety is one of the reasons you read this book.

Just like anything, you have to believe with all your heart and soul in these words and your success for it to be true. You have to believe in your writing for it to be a success. At the end of the day, you are the first and last person to believe in yourself, your writing, and your career.

Through this post, I’m honestly not doing the book justice. Definitely check the book out for yourself. It will change your life. Have a highlighter and a notepad ready to write down your own affirmations to make a habit of each day.

I wish upon you abundance, blessings, and love. Now, go forth and write!