If the title conjures up images of children playing dress-ups with forts and castles, saving princesses and defeating dragons, that’s good. Such was my intention.
Pretend play, in which children use their imaginations, allows them to try out different roles, experience different possibilities and enact a variety of solutions to problems they encounter.
But play and imagination isn’t just for children. It is through playing with ideas that new discoveries are made, inventions are created, and innovations implemented. Without imagination, everything would always stay as it always was. Science wouldn’t progress and stories wouldn’t get written.
When Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch challenged writers to In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that uses the word eminence. It’s a rich word full of different meanings. Explore how it sounds or how you might play with it. Go where the prompt leads!, I knew that imaginations the world over would be employed to respond.
Every week when Charli sends out a prompt, writers play with ideas to engage readers with unique and imaginative perspectives on the word or phrase. When all have been submitted, Charli searches for threads that bind the diverse stories together and compiles them into a connected whole.
Charli’s use of the word ‘eminence’ in her flash fiction story was unfamiliar to me, so I opted to stay within my comfort zone. With such a serious and imposing word though, what could I do but play? I hope you enjoy it.
Your Eminence
She glided in, regal robes flowing, loyal subjects lining the path.
“Your eminence,” they bowed as she passed.
She occasionally extended her gloved hand to receive their kisses of adoration or stopped to bestow a gift of royal chatter. Though her crown and responsibilities weighed heavily, she held her head high as she proceeded towards the throne. Decorum dictated every move. She dared not breathe out of sync. Her subjects depended upon her.
When seated, she motioned for all to sit. They obeyed, listening respectfully.
“I decree– “
“Lunch is served, Your Majesty.”
“Aw, Mu-um!”
“You’ll reign again later.”
Thank you for reading. I appreciate your feedback. Please share your thoughts.
I really enjoyed this. I am struggling with including fantasy into my repertoire of writing styles, and this gave me a push!
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Imagination is the key in the door to innovation 😀
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What a perfect quote! 🙂 May I quote you?
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Absolutely! Thanks for appreciating what I wrote, Norah 🙂
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Thank you, Christy. 🙂
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I enjoyed where you went with the word eminence, Norah! And that you make a strong stand for imagination.
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Thank you, Charli. Where would we be without imagination? Still in a dark cave, dare I say.
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Yes, we would not have the elixirs to emerge from the cave without the use of imagination.
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Exactly!
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Well done, Norah! The power of play can never be underestimated.
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That’s the truth! Thanks, Jennie.
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You’re welcome, Norah!
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Brilliant spin on the story Norah. I didn’t see that ending coming! 🙂
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Thanks so much, Debby. I did warn you it was play. 🙂
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Yes, but you have a gift for surprise. One never knows what to expect, lol 🙂
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I’m delighted that you enjoyed it, Debby. 🙂
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🙂
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Lovely…
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Thank you, Bette. 🙂
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Lovely!
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Thank you, Luccia. 🙂
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You are so creative! I am not one who can do weekly challenges and yours is delightful!
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Thank you, Jacqui, that’s so kind. I’ve been amazed at your creativity as I read ‘Survival of the Fittest’. So creative and so clever.
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You reminded me of a commercial here where a little boy is sitting down to lunch and asks his mom to make his imaginary friend a sandwich too. Before placing the second sandwich down at the ‘friends’ place Mom takes a bit. And the little boys face lights up as he says, “Look Mom, my friend took a bit out of his sandwich too!”
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What a delightful situation in that ad. I hope it provided fuel for thoughts about parenting. It obviously did for you. Do you remember what it was advertising?
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Peanut butter. I’ll send you the link if I find it.
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Thanks, Jules. 🙂 It’s a cute ad.
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Oh yes, I too wondered how this was going to play out and just had to smile when I read to the end! Lovely flash Norah!
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Thank you, Susan. I’m pleased you enjoyed it. 🙂
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Even queens must drop their duties to eat lunch! Perfect take on the prompt, Norah.
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Thank you, Molly. 🙂
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You certainly played with the theme, and we all appreciate the eminence of where it took you.
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Thank you, Anne, for your eminent comment. 🙂
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Weren’t we all little once, playing at being ’eminences’ – just getting in touch with the great soul that lives within us all. Wonderful capture of that time Norah.
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Thank you, Pauline. Yes, we were. Yes, we are? Maybe more humble now. 🙂
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lol had me sucked in, well written Norah 🙂
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Thanks, Kate. I did warn you it was play, though. 🙂
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you did indeed but it was so well written!
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Aw. Thanks, Kate. 🙂
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welcome Norah 🙂
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🙂 I can picture a girl in flowing robes and hat, her hand extended.
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That’s a lovely comment, Chelsea. Thank you. Appreciated. 🙂
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Of course.
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🙂
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A lovely fun piece, Norah.
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Thank you, Robbie. That was my intention. 🙂
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