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

Extra! Extra! Robin Meade's book, 'Morning Sunshine! How to Radiate Confidence and Feel It Too!' can now be yours! The book hits the shelves of bookstores across the country today, and we couldn't be more excited.

Robin Meade's book hits newsstands today!

Hve you heard about Robin's book? It takes us on a ride from the start of her career as a cub reporter with a grueling schedule that eventually led to battles with panic attacks, to the cheerful, peaceful Robin you see on air today!

You can read an excerpt of Robin's book here, or check out a Q and A she did with CNN's Virginia Cha here.

Learn more about where you can see Robin in person as well! And, you can stay up to date by becoming a fan on our Facebook page!

As well, if you have confidence-building tips you'd like to share, join our contest!

Check out the previous winners' tips too!

Thanks for reading!

Posted by: Morning Sunshine
Filed under: Morning Sunshine

TV/Web Producer Kate Taylor

Everyone knows that babies keep odd hours. They're often inspired to wake up – and stay up – at the darndest times, they love to pack in those midnight snacks and subsequent burpings and diaper changes, and heck, sometimes they just want to hang out with mom and dad, leaving the parents feeling like they've accomplished a full day's works before the morning sun has even kissed the sky.

Little Gabriel Dolan wakes up bright and early to catch Morning Express.

So it was no surprise when both of this week's Morning Sunshine iReports came from parents of infants, who watch the show in the wee hours of the morning, probably hoping to fall back asleep as everyone else wakes up.

Viewer and iReporter Marian Dolan was nice enough to share photos of her 2-day-old son, Gabriel! Mom and Gabriel watched Morning Express together in the hospital during Gabe's morning feedings at Keesler Air Force Base Medical Center in Biloxi, Mississippi. We're happy to report that Mom and son are doing well and have returned home.

Traci DeSpain of Lanesville, Indiana, shared photos of her four-and-a-half month-old daughter Emma Rose watching Morning Express. DeSpain reports that Emma Rose has caught the show so many times that now she recognizes Robin's voice, and lifts her head up for a view when she hears Robin start to talk.

Do you make it a point to watch Morning Express as often as possible? We'd love to see where you are and what you do while you watch. Share your Morning Sunshine iReport!

Posted by: Morning Sunshine
Filed under: Morning Sunshine

From TV-Web Producer Kate

iReporter Jeremy Buzan says watching Robin helps wake him up to start his morning workout routine.

Ever wonder what rock climbers do in the morning? They watch Morning Express of course! Oh, and they work out.

Morning Sunshine iReporter Jeremy Buzan of Salem, Oregon, and his wife, Leisel Jeck, are the founders of the Summits for Kids Organization. They take children on mountain climbing trips and they also use climbing trips as campaigns to raise money for children's causes.

Jeremy says that he starts his day lifting weights and watching Morning Express. He says, "Robin is as important to us as coffee!"

Thanks to Jeremy for his iReport, and we’d love to see yours too. Tell us what you do while you watch Morning Express.

Posted by: iReport, Morning Sunshine
Filed under: Morning Sunshine

From TV/Web producer Kate

Anthony Rios has turned Morning Express into his evening news show.

In our ongoing Morning Sunshine segment, we invite viewers to tell us what they do while they watch "Morning Express," through CNN's citizen journalism Web site, iReport.com.

We've had some really great contributions so far. Below, meet our newest Morning Sunshine iReporters.

iReporter Anthony Rios of Modesto, California, says that watching Morning Express is not so much a morning routine for him as it is a "late night routine." Rios gets off work at midnight and hangs out until the show comes on at 3 am. He watches Morning Express for an hour or so and then hits the hay.

In his adorable video iReport, Rios says, "Sometimes I think about moving out to Hawaii, mainly so I can watch you at one am and get a decent amount of sleep."

He concludes, "Love your show, watch you every morning. Evening. Whatever."

Little Ava Branca is already a big fan of Robin and Morning Express.

It’s okay, Anthony, you can watch the show whenever you want!

And take a look at this cutie! Lindsey Branca of Smithfield, Rhode Island, says her daughter Ava, who is seven months old, likes to watch Morning Express when she wakes up.

Hill says, "Watch how cute she is when she sees Robin. She loves her!! Once she sees Robin she starts to bounce in her bouncy chair … so cute." We think so too.

Is Morning Express part of your daily routine? Share it with us, and you may appear on Morning Express.

Posted by: iReport, Morning Sunshine
Filed under: iReport