At a time when many young readers gravitate toward fantasy, dystopian fiction or romance, Peyton Korte of Cincinnati, Ohio, a rising sophomore at Cedarville University, chose a far less common path: Christian Western historical fiction.
Peyton Korte’s Novel Draws on Faith, Family, and the American West
For Korte, that choice was personal.
His book, “The Cyclical Cycle,” follows John Calmouth, a 14-year-old cowboy living in the Territory of Montana in 1874. After his father dies of typhoid fever, John must leave school, find work and help support his family. Along the way, he faces setbacks and responsibilities that force him to grow up quickly while holding firmly to his faith.
The “Cyclical Cycle” Honors a Father’s Example of Perseverance and Faith
Though “The Cyclical Cycle” is a work of fiction, it draws heavily from Korte’s family history. He wrote the book as a tribute to his father, Michael, modeling John Calmouth after the perseverance and faith his father showed through hardship. Korte said the novel reflects parts of Michael’s life while still taking creative liberties. Like John, Michael lost his father at a young age and had to grow up quickly — an experience that became the emotional backbone of the story.
“I wanted my main character to resemble my father,” said Korte. “I want to show the perseverance he demonstrated throughout the adversity he went through.”
Writing the Novel Helped Korte Reflect on Hardship and Godly Manhood
“Writing my book deepened my understanding of my father’s experiences by allowing me to reflect upon the difficulties that he had to go through,” said Korte. “I was also able to deepen my understanding of what it means to become a man of God. It’s not through peaceful and easy circumstances but instead through heartaches, troubles and tribulations.”
Christian Western Historical Fiction Highlights Themes of Responsibility and Spiritual Growth
That personal connection also shaped Korte’s genre choice.
Rather than placing the story in a modern setting, Korte set it in the rugged American West, where themes of hardship, responsibility, faith and perseverance could stand out. The result is a Christian Western historical novel for young readers, a genre less common in today’s market.
The “Cyclical Cycle” Explores Breaking Destructive Patterns Through Faith
Korte chose the title “The Cyclical Cycle” to reflect the book’s central idea: breaking destructive patterns through faith and spiritual growth. He said the story is meant to show how hardship can draw people closer to God and shape a person’s character.
“We as Christians want to leave a legacy, because we ultimately want others to live their lives for God as well,” said Korte.
For Korte, writing the novel was about more than telling a story set in the Old West. It was a way to honor his father, explore the kind of faith forged through hardship and offer young readers a vision of perseverance rooted in Christ.
“At its most foundational level, my book is about breaking the cyclical cycles of life in order to grow closer to God through the lifelong process of sanctification,” said Korte.
“The Cyclical Cycle” is available for purchase on Amazon.
About Cedarville University
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian?institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it ranks among Ohio's largest private universities and is recognized by?The Wall Street Journal?as being among the nation’s top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at?cedarville.edu.?