November 13, 2009

Blood and guts, gore and fear, and a great conversationalist

Posted: 04:10 PM ET

Morning Express Anchor Robin Meade

You probably know his tales of blood and guts … gore and fear … but, who would’ve guessed, beloved, bestselling author Stephen King was in OUR studio this morning … the studio of "Morning Express with Robin Meade."

"I'm such a huge fan." This is what everyone in the room probably wanted to gush to King, but we're holding back for journalistic integrity's sake. Instead, that's what King says to us when I breeze into the room, ready for our one-on-one interview. He dispenses a warm embrace, remarking that I'm shorter than he thought I'd be.

For his legion of fans and newer converts, I hope this doesn't burst your bubble of the spooky, mysterious image you may have of King based on the writings that sprout from his brain. But, he's a regular as regular can be, a great conversationalist and a real hoot.

I notice that when King comes into the studio, there is no entourage, no publicist telling us what we can and can't ask. No limitations on how long our interview can be. No narcissistic requests about lighting or which side of the interview couch he wants to sit on. Nada!

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There was plenty of talk though; talk about what went into his latest work, available now, called "Under the Dome" and his thoughts on myriad topics. I found out he’s a news connoisseur too. In fact, in “Under the Dome,” a number of CNN anchors make appearances. Everyone from Wolf Blitzer (affectionately referred to as “Wolfie”) to Anderson Cooper and Barbara Starr.

And he's funny. I think you get a sense of a quirky humor when you're reading his descriptions of some of his characters in his books. He's just as quick-witted in person, too.

One more thing that may fascinate you … Stephen King plays in a band composed strictly of writers. It sometimes includes humor writer Dave Barry and bestseller Mitch Albon. And he tells me since I've got a bestseller under my belt recently, too, as an author, I can be his lead singer, the next time he's in town.

Now, you don’t have to ask me twice, Stephen King. Make room, Dave Barry. Give me a tambourine. It’s gonna be SCARY good. Ha!

Posted by: Morning Sunshine
Filed under: Behind the Scenes

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Kathryn, Lloyd, Gretchen, and Jon Brinker.

November 14th, 2009 9:21 am ET

Robin, what a way to end your week: by having the master of horror, one-of-a-kind author Mr. Stephen King, on "Morning Express" on Friday the 13th !! How coincidental was that ?? It was an awesome surprise to see Mr. King on the set with our "Morning Sunshine" gal !! I (Mom Kathryn), having been a bookstore manager for eleven years, am always thrilled to see an author on the news and talk shows discussing their latest works of art !! Mr. King's latest bestseller, "Under the Dome", is getting rave reviews, and–of course–the thriller setting is a small Maine town (one of his famous landmark
locations ! ) !! We know that Mr. King was very impressed with our Robin (who isn't ?? ); maybe in his next book he will have a beautiful journalist/author character named Robin, who will share her experience of her first skydive with a former President of the United States on his 85th birthday !! Stay tuned . . . we shall see !!
Wouldn't it be great if Sarah Palin would grace the "Morning Express" set with her presence, as she makes the tour with the release of her new bestseller, "Going Rogue" !! Robin, hope your weekend is a good one; remember, we love ya, our Ohio girl !!! Robin's Follies.

Kathryn, Lloyd, Gretchen, and Jon Brinker.

November 15th, 2009 10:02 am ET

Robin, congratulations to you and Mr. Clark Howard for a wonderful job which you both accomplished with "Operation Clark Smart" in Columbus, Georgia !! We watched it–and appreciated it very much this weekend (Saturday and Sunday) on Headline News !! We are very sure that all the soldiers at Fort Benning were very grateful to have had their questions answered by Mr. Howard . . . and the personal time which you two spent with them with your demanding work schedules !! Being in the military and serving their country doesn't leave them too much spare time to keep up with their finances for them and their families; may God bless them–and kudos for a great and fulfilling program !!! Robin, looking forward to
seeing you bright and early on Monday morning !! We love ya, our Ohio girl !!! Robin's Follies.

Clarence Widerburg, M.S.W.

November 16th, 2009 1:37 pm ET

Robin,
Thanks for airing the story questioning whether our torture of prisoners should be published. My uncle was a prisoner of war in WWII and was on a death march and several of my relatives have served in combat zones including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Vietnam. To protect our soldiers we need to be open about our errors. Our enemies already believe we torture, but we have a chance to correct that if we are transparent.

Robert Howe

November 16th, 2009 2:20 pm ET

Good Morning,

Is there some place where we can see the entire interview? I've only found the clip here and would like to see the whole thing.

MrsMarissa G DiBartolo

November 16th, 2009 5:25 pm ET

November 16, 2009
hi,
i read stephen king and watched his movies. my husband lived in the area he grew up in also. they have the same birthday although my husband is about 20 years his senior.
The TR is known about. The "clackety-clack" is something my husband said he would never go beyond.
The prison may be stephen kings own experience, although i think his works aren't giving the credit where credit is due. every time i mention him here, they complain about his wife "Tabby". I don't know her and never met her. They then ALWAYS say and "You don't want to." She knows you. Why is this. did i meet her unknowningly? Did they (he) know my husband before i met and married him. The "secret garden, secret window" novella is unmistakeably incidents from my husband's life, from the burning white house, to the laying with the pillow, and secret ventures into town for supplies. His timed priorities were also well known. I read this interview, and wish stephen king would retire and be quiet. My husband left a son whom needs to take from my husband's life. He is not laying in his grave as further fodder for stephen king. they have too much.
sincerely,
mrs. marissa g dibartolo

theresa

November 16th, 2009 9:46 pm ET

the interview was cut short! boo hoo! but what there was of it, was GREAT! You are soooooooooo lucky, Robin. Thanks for bringing it.
Respectfully, Theresa, Stephen King's #1 fan!

Dennis I.

November 18th, 2009 10:00 am ET

I enjoyed your comments while I was away in Virginia, Much to my surprise I found you at home in Philadelphia now I can watch your news show everyday ,Thanks again
Dennis I

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