That’s what Charles Montgomery III has to offer to Stanley and Lisa. True happiness? No problem, he tells them. But Stanley doesn’t even remember what that’s like anymore. Not sice the day their son was killed. Lisa has fared a little better – she’s at least been determined to move forward through the pain. But it’s put a terrible strain on their relationship. With their marriage in trouble, it would seem that Mr. Montgomery’s offer is well-timed. But can they pull together enough to deal with their past and forge a future beyond the pain? Even with the help of three little wishes?
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE THE LAMP?
I wrote The Lamp several years ago. It grew out of a one-act play I was doing as a part of our arena events. When we had the opportunity to do another movie project with Destiny, we were very pleased to be able to expand the story of The Lamp, creating a new novel and feature-length film.
WHAT WERE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES FOR YOU WRITING THIS STORY?
It is always challenging to write a book that you know is going to be made into a movie. You want your characters to seem real to the reader, but you also know everything will be compared to how it looks in the movie.
WHEN MAKING UP STORIES, HOW MUCH DO YOU DRAW ON YOUR OWN LIFE EXPERIENCES AND PEOPLE YOU KNOW, VERSUS DRAWING ON RESEARCH ABOUT COMPLETE STRANGERS?
I think most great fiction comes at some level from the author’s past experiences. I believe the old adage to be true that says, “Always write about the things you know best.” In my case, I know I always try to find some element from my past in every character and situation.
WHAT DO YOU WANT READERS TO TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR BOOK?
I want readers of The Lamp or those who watch the movie to understand that all things are possible if you just believe; but the belief alone is not enough. It causes us to act in ways that manifest miracles waiting to happen.
IN WHAT WAYS DOES YOUR FAITH IMPACT HOW YOU APPROACH WRITING FICTION?
My faith is not separate from my fiction. It simply is the basis for all I do and all I write. Writing a Christian novel is like living a Christian life. There are some times your faith is at the forefront and other times it is simply the basis for all you do.