Anyone have any advice on learning terms that aren't image related. I'm studying from the book (from the library) and for example #47 is eminent. I can remember a big long story about a magician that uses a sunflower as a wand is the best in the world, but to equate the story to the word 'eminent' is difficult for me.

Anyone have advice on how to bridge that gap on these types of words?

Other words like 'mist' or 'card' that are more physical objects are pretty simple for my memory at least for now!

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Hya,

Something that's helpful with more abstract or uncommon words it to look them up in the dictionary. Often the latin roots of the words give you a better grasp on it and what it means, and how to turn it into a story.

For abstract words I try to make them more concrete by associating with a name (or any proper noun) or use some kind of word-play on the whole or part of the word.

The name thing is suggested by Heisig when dealing with 人 because it is so common it's better if it's a specific person rather than just a person in general (Chuck Norris is a good choice). But you can use it for keywords too.

For example, Eminent sounds like Eminem, so perhaps it is the Eminent Eminem who this story is about. Or perhaps the Eminent magician won an Emmy for his magic. Or perhaps E's mining (Windows) NT with a wand of digging -- E-Mine-NT. It doesn't have to be perfect your brain will correct it if it's close enough.

My story for Excite is about an exciting date I (supposedly) went on with a lady who worked at Excite.
My story for Yell involves a girl I once knew called Rebel (Rebel Yell is a bourbon).
My story for Standard involves the standard recipe for Wild Turkey.
Many of my stories involving 木 and abstract concepts are stories about Ents from Lord of the Rings. This adds a character with emotions/personality so it allows a stronger story.