I used to be a big SK fan- I have probably read everything he's written (except for, surprisingly,
The Dark Tower series- could NOT get into them). I started reading his books when I was a teenager and stuck with him. I definitely have not loved everything he's done, but there are many books of his that I really enjoyed.
The Talisman (written with Peter Straub) is one of my favorites.
It is a great book (the movie was horrible, as are most SK adaptations). The scare factor comes from remembering what it's like to be a child. I think clowns are just more creepy than scary?
