This has been a busy winter. In mid December I took my family to New York City for some Christmas fun. I met my editor and my publishing team, and toured the St. Martin’s Press offices in the Flatiron Building. Since then it’s been a whirlwind of shopping, holiday parties, baking and gifting. Not to mention getting ready for GIRL ON THE GOLDEN COIN’s upcoming release. But my biggest task has been this novel-in-progress that keeps begging to be written.

My snowy view.

Like today. Just look at the snowy view outside my office window! This is serious winter-writing-weather! Today was a day for serving hot coco to rosy-cheeked children and warm French Onion Soup eaten by the fireplace. We even made time to whip up some snow-cream (yes, ice cream made of snow!). I have half a dozen emails to answer and a woefully neglected blog. But I sat by this window for most of this day, laptop in hand, approaching the end of a first draft, watching my kids build snow forts and snow men.

Sure, I look forward to spring. But for writers who love to cozy up, this wintery day was perfect.

Want to whip up some snow-cream for yourself? Here’s what I did:

Snow-Cream

One cup half-and-half

One teaspoon vanilla extract

1/3 cup sugar

6 heaping cups of fluffy snow

Combine vanilla and half-and-half. While one child is stirring the snow, have another pour in the half-and-half mixture, and have yet another child sprinkle in the sugar. You’ll know when it’s ready. Enjoy!