Can you give more other words for stories apart from the common ones?

Yarns. This is a more informal way of referring to stories, often used when the story might be a bit tall or exaggerated, like sailors telling yarns about their adventures at sea.

There are words like 'diabolical'. This implies something devilish, something that is extremely evil and cunning in a very scary way. 'Horrific' is another strong word for scary stories. It describes something that is so bad and terrifying that it can leave a long - lasting impression on the reader or listener. 'Hideous' can also be used, especially when describing a really grotesque or ugly and scary character or situation in a story. These words can add more depth and intensity to the horror in a scary story.

Well, there are 'haunting' which gives the idea that the story stays with the reader long after it's been read. 'Gripping' is another one, just like 'enthralling', it makes the reader hold on tight to the story. Also, 'riveting' which means extremely interesting and holding one's attention firmly. The story might be about a mystery or an adventure, and these words would be very suitable to describe how it draws the reader in. It's not just about the plot, but also how the characters are developed and the setting is described that can make a story 'riveting'. For example, a story set in a post - apocalyptic world with complex characters fighting for survival can be 'riveting' as it combines elements of danger, hope, and human nature.

Fables. Fables are short stories that usually feature animals as characters and convey a moral. For example, Aesop's Fables are well - known around the world.

Another word could be "conte", which is a short fictional narrative. Also, "picaresque", which refers to a type of fiction that follows the adventures of a roguish hero, like "Don Quixote". Fiction can also be described as "fictitious narrative", which is a more formal way of saying it.

One could also use 'primordial novel'. It gives the idea that the novel is like the origin or the first of its kind in the author's body of work. It has a more sophisticated and perhaps a bit more abstract feel compared to just saying 'first novel'.

Write a short story inspired by a piece of art. It could be a painting, a sculpture, or a photograph. Analyze the emotions, colors, and forms in the art and translate them into a story. For example, if it's a painting of a desolate landscape, your story could be about a lonely traveler in that harsh environment. Or you could write a story that has no dialogue at all. Focus solely on the actions and descriptions of the characters and the setting to convey the story's meaning.

Another set of phrases could be 'In a different light' or 'With a newfound determination'. 'In a different light' can be used when a character is seeing a situation or another character in a changed way. For instance, if a character has had an epiphany and now views their rival in a more sympathetic light. 'With a newfound determination' is great for when a character has made a decision and is about to take action. It gives the paragraph a sense of purpose and forward momentum. This can be very engaging for the reader as they anticipate what the character will do next.

Ghastly. This word can be used to describe a really horrible appearance or situation. For instance, a ghastly face emerging from the darkness. 'Shudder - inducing' is another one. It means that it makes you shudder, like a shudder - inducing scream in a horror story. It directly shows the physical reaction the horror element causes.

Tale. It has a sense of a story being told, much like a novel. For example, 'The Canterbury Tales' is a collection of stories that could be considered as a group of mini - novels.