I frankly never understood the point of scary stories. So have never read in that genre. The only reason I saw Shining -- with some reluctance -- was because it was SK. And even that is upsetting enough (i mean that old diseased hag in the bathroom -- awful -- did I need that image in my mind?) -- edit -- That said, that video got me poking around for more King talks and I believe I have a sense of the phenomena finally. I find him hugely appealing as a person and a thinker. "What about hell?" Loved it.
I am prepared to believe that. He also appears to be one those super smart types that entirely manage to put the average person at ease. Saw another more recent clip on youtube in one of those cable tv shows -- perhaps the big O herself; just hanging around and chewing the fat and being witty. A huge social gift, in my book, and likely a sign of true intelligence. (SK' - that guy probably went around intimidating most everyone.)