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I have been told that I 'read as well as an experienced actor would'.  For some years before I read in public, I had given occasional pre-publication readings of my latest story or serial installment to my family or friends.  After one of these in 1846 I mused that 'in these days of ‘lecturing’ and readings a great deal of money might possibly be made by one having readings of one's own books.  My friend John Forster tried to discourage me.  He felt that is was below my 'higher duties' as a great author.  But I resolved that issue by Christmas of 1843 and did my first public reading.  Two factors played upon my decision.  I had to support 10 children, a wife, a few other relatives, several homes and my book revenue was not that large.  I always worried about having enough money anyway since my childhood and my father's indiscretions with money.  Oh yes!   I had just recently moved back to Kent.  Buying my Gads Hill country home had further depleted my finances.

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