It could be a word like 'plot' or 'tale'. Those are common terms associated with narratives and stories in crosswords.
Well, sometimes the clue might be something like 'fictional account' or 'storyline element'. These phrases hint at the idea of a narrative or story.
A clue for a narrative or story could be 'narrative device' or 'story framework'. They directly refer to components related to telling a story in a crossword.
I'm not sure. Maybe it has something to do with the themes or specific events in his works.
Well, one approach could be to think about the visual elements often associated with pinheads in comics. Maybe it's a symbol or an object. Also, check for any wordplay or puns that might be involved.
The word 'saga' is also a valid answer. Sagas are long, involved stories, often about a family or a community over a long period of time. They can include many sub - plots and detailed descriptions of events and relationships. For example, the Icelandic sagas are well - known for their long - winded and complex narratives.
A 'tale' could be an answer. Tales can range in length from very short to relatively long. They are a form of short story, and if it's a more extended tale, it can be seen as a 'long short story' which would work for the crossword clue.
It could be 'novella'. A novella is longer than a short story but shorter than a novel, which might fit this crossword clue.
It could be 'yarn'. A yarn is often used to refer to a long, rambling, and perhaps even fictional story.
Another option could be 'parable'. Parables are short stories that convey a religious or moral lesson. While they are generally short, some parables can be more elaborate and thus considered a 'long short story' in relation to the crossword clue. Parables are found in many religious and cultural traditions, like in the Bible for example, and their length and complexity can differ.
Perhaps 'epic'. An epic is a long narrative that often involves many characters, complex plots and sub - plots, and a wide range of events. It can be a story of heroic deeds, like 'The Iliad' or 'The Odyssey' which are classic examples of long, involved stories.
It might also mean the highest level or floor in a building in some cases. Say, in a crossword that has a lot of architecture - related words. If the clue is something like 'Top Story in a Skyscraper', then it's about the topmost floor.
Novel. A novel is a long written story, which is a very common answer for a crossword clue like 'long story'.