Let me change the direction of discussion, a little.
Science does one thing good: coining names for new concepts and sharpening the
meaning of existing words.
Now that people are throwing names to capture concepts behind variations in a
story, I suggest we attempt to assign precise meanings to them. I am sure we
may disagree at first. However, we may accomplish something.
Look at the recent discussion on "galpika". What is a galpika? Let us try a few
definitions at it. Once we agree on what it means, then that is what it is
going to be.
For example, look at these words and their meanings as I listed them in my
dictionary. (I wish I can type in the Telugu words in Telugu font!!)
Story = Katha, Gaatha, Upaakhyanam
Epic Story = Puraana gaatha,
Real Story = nijamGa jariGina katha
Short story = Kathanika
Skit = Prahasanam, Haasya Naatika
Fictional story = kalpika, kattu katha,
?? = Galpika
Sketch = Chitrana; Galpika,
Play = Natakam
Novel = Navala
Short novel = Navalika
Perhaps you can add more. The idea is to try to stick to entrenched meanings.
It is hard to change them (unless there is a very strong reason). Assign new
meanings to new words. Let us see.
Regards
Rao Vemuri