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Learn moreReview · Writing workshop
How do I write a novel? Writing workshop with Ellen Esser in the Ore Mountains
From idea to story, from characters to keeping going: a look back at the writing workshop (2023) – with a writing checklist for your own start.
📅First date: 31 Jul–4 Aug 2023
✍️With author Ellen Esser
📚Step by step to a book
🌲Erzgebirge calm
ℹ️
Note: this offer is no longer available. Current events are in our event overview.
It’s never too late
Step by step to your own book
Always dreamed of writing a book but never dared? At Landhotel Altes Zollhaus author Ellen Esser held a writing workshop, showing a simple step-by-step guide to how a novel comes about.
Away from daily life, surrounded by forest and silence, the Zollhaus is perfect for diving into writing. Calm for the mind: digital detox.
What you learn
- turn your idea into a story
- put thoughts into words
- bring characters to life
- start writing and keep going
Your own start
Your writing checklist
General tips for your first novel – tick what you have.
0done – your progress is saved in this browser
Creative break at the Zollhaus
More creativity
Events at the Zollhaus
Shared experiences at the Zollhaus
At Landhotel Altes Zollhaus in the Ore Mountains we regularly host seminars, workshops, retreats and celebrations – in our seminar and yoga rooms, the vaulted restaurant and outdoors.
Upcoming dates
Events, seminars & retreats
Our next events at the Zollhaus. All events
01.11. - 08.11.2026Alkaline Fasting Special
Feel like new in 7 days. Treat yourself to a week full of mindful eating, yoga, exercise and relaxation – and find new energy for your everyday life.
Price from 750 euros per person in a double roomDETAILS
04.11.2026, starting at 2 pmIsabel's Colour Workshop
In the mood for colour? One-day painting workshop with Isabel – for beginners & the curious
04.11.2026, starting at 2 pmDETAILS
06.11. - 08.11.2026Wim Hof Method® Weekend with Patrick Weyh
Wim Hof Method Weekend: in-depth theory – breathing sessions – ice baths – hike
Price from 698 eurosDETAILS
From 03.01. - 08.01.2027Alkaline Fasting Special
Wacker method: a short escape from the chaos, into lightness
Price from 650 euros per person in a double roomDETAILS
08.01. - 10.01.2027Wim Hof Method® Weekend with Isabel & Gerrit
Get to know the Wim Hof Method – with ice bathing, breathing exercises and cold training for more vitality and mental strength.
Price 437 eurosDETAILS
08.01. – 10.01.2027Women's Dance Retreat with Nora Curcio – 8–10 January 2027
Women's dance retreat with Nora Curcio: dance, yoga, bodywork & women's circle in the winter forest
ab 290 €DETAILS
Is the workshop still offered?
Not anymore – see current workshops in our event overview.
Who led it?
Author Ellen Esser.
Can I write calmly at the Zollhaus?
Yes – forest, silence and quiet rooms are ideal.
Conclusion
Your book begins with the first sentence
The workshop with Ellen Esser showed how a dream can become a book. The perfect place to write is the Zollhaus – in the forest.
From the Zollhaus blog
Read more & try it
Seminar hotelDigital detoxCreative seminarsRent the yoga roomWim Hof weekendSmugglers’ feastAlkaline fasting guideAlkaline fasting in the Ore MountainsRoomsRestaurantWellnessYogaContact
Further sources:
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Join our next event
Workshops, retreats and seminars in the Ore Mountains – see our upcoming dates.
