“It,” introduced the world to the evil killer-clown “Pennywise” – and installed a deep fear of those supposedly silly creatures in the subconscious of millions of readers. Stephen King made the scary clown a horror staple that continues to fuel our nightmares. One reason for King’s bestselling success – along with his superb writing skills, of course – is that many of us actually enjoy being scared; as long as it’s the right amount.

Source: Study Finds