Every time Im developing the plot for a story I really want to write, I get side tracked by ideas for other stories and end up abandoning the one I was working on in the first place. It's a vicious cycle. Do you know any strategies that I could use to keep focused?
Well, to be honest, I don’t normally have this problem because I can focus very easily. Doesn’t mean I’ve never been distracted though! I have derailed ONCE to write something else from what I should have been writing, and it was a mess. (That story is still incomplete. /sighs) So it really only took me one time to not do that again. LOL
But I understand what you’re saying. SO MANY IDEAS!! It can be overwhelming. The advice I can give you, though, is to scribble these ideas down as soon as possible. Then lock them away. Don’t touch them. You’re not allowed to touch them until your current project is done. If you REALLY can’t leave it alone, make something like a pinterest board for it! You can compile all your ideas there for the time being.
It also helps if you’re REALLY, REALLY invested in your current project. Like, YOU JUST LOVE IT SO MUCH that you can’t put it away. And to do that, I think it helps to really get to know your characters and setting.
But everyone is different! My methods might not end up working for you. But I hope they have at least helped a little bit! Keep on writing! :D