Freedom Begins Inside Ourselves

Jan 4

Posted by

Susan Suchman Simone
William “Mecca” Elmore Author Interview

Prison From The Inside Out tells the story of life in prison and how the justice system treats people. Why was this an important book for you to write?

I didn’t want to die taking my story with me – I wanted to free myself and telling my story was one way to do that. I started with journals, which made be realize I had to tell my story to my family and to you, and Simone gave me that opportunity.

What was the writing collaboration process like with Susan Simone?

It was like talking to my best friend from high school, an old friend. Simone has a great way of asking questions to draw me out.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?

Freedom begins inside ourselves.

I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?

Value your time more than you value money.

Author Links: GoodReads | Website

Prison From The Inside Out is both a book and an act of trust: A black man from New Jersey and a white woman from New York meet in a workshop at a North Carolina prison. They decide they have something to tell the world about incarceration, self-esteem, personal growth, survival, and the power of trust. Together they have created this book.


On March 30, 1991, William “Mecca” Elmore fired a gun toward a parked and occupied van in an attempt to protect a friend who he thought was actively involved in a drug deal gone bad. In court two years later, that same friend testified that Mecca had aimed directly at the van’s occupants, one of whom died of his wound before reaching the hospital. Mecca admitted to firing the gun, but he did not plan to kill anyone, so although the public defender urged him to take a plea bargain, he insisted on taking the stand. Today, Mecca sees giving that testimony as a turning point in his life.


Mecca was sentenced to “mandatory life,” a sentence that meant he would spend the rest of his natural life in prison with no possibility of parole.
Prison From The Inside Out tells the story of how that sentence was served.
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The Literary Titan is an organization of professional editors, writers, and professors that have a passion for the written word. We review fiction and non-fiction books in many different genres, as well as conduct author interviews, and recognize talented authors with our Literary Book Award. We are privileged to work with so many creative authors around the globe.

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