The word 'anecdote' might also work. An anecdote is a short account of an interesting or humorous incident. However, some anecdotes can be a bit more elaborate and lengthier, thus qualifying as a long short story. It's a word that is often used in writing and conversation, and it could be a valid answer for this crossword clue.
I think 'narrative' is a good option too. A narrative is a story or an account of events. It can be of different lengths, and a long short story can be considered a type of narrative. It's a broad term that encompasses various forms of storytelling, so it's very likely to be the answer to this crossword clue.
One answer could be 'yarn'. 'Yarn' can mean a story, and it can be used to describe a long short story in a more informal way. For example, someone might say 'He spun a long yarn about his adventures.', which implies a somewhat long story that still has the essence of a short story.
Tale. A simple 'tale' can be a long story. It's a very broad term that can cover various types of long - form narratives, whether it's a fairy tale, a folk tale or just a made - up long story.
Novel. A novel is a long written story, which is a very common answer for a crossword clue like 'long story'.
It could be 'novella'. A novella is longer than a short story but shorter than a novel, which might fit this crossword clue.
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.
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.
Ethan Frome. This is another well - known novel by Wharton. If the crossword clue is about a Wharton novel, Ethan Frome is a strong contender. It's a short but powerful story set in a rural New England environment.
It could be 'yarn'. A yarn is often used to refer to a long, rambling, and perhaps even fictional story.
One way is to think of words like 'narrative'. A narrative can be a long, involved account of events, real or fictional. It has a beginning, middle, and end, and often includes details about characters, settings, and actions.
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.
Epics could also fit. Epics are long narrative poems or stories that often deal with heroic deeds and adventures, so they are a great match for the 'long stories' crossword clue. They usually have a complex plot and a large number of characters.