Tracey Iceton
Author & Editor
Out Now!
If you live in the Tees Valley area and would like signed copy please get in touch via the Contacts page below. Unsigned copies can be bought directly from Cinnamon Press on the link above and that helps support this wonderful Indie publisher.
Sparky My Barn Owl Story
Hatched in the UK in August 2017, Sparky is a captive-bred barn owl. Raised by humans, living with them, she accepts them as essential to her life, benefiting from the security they can provide, but suffering under the uncertainty they can inflict.
And here, thanks to her current human, t-raay-cee, Sparky recounts her unique story. By turns heart warming and disturbing, Sparky offers an owl’s-eye view of her relationship with her human mates and her search for a special human to bond with lifelong.
A mesmerising and ambitious work that crosses genres and raises important questions about how we can connect deeply with the more-than-human world.
"A fascinating insight into a world so few of us will encounter and Tracey Iceton provides that insight with compassion, sensitivity and considerable humility. Anyone remotely interested in the natural world will be entranced, entertained, enthralled and educated by Sparky. It’s not to be missed."
Linda Hill, award-winning book blogger and reviewer. Read the full review here on Linda's Book Bag -
News
A spectacular Sparky event at Lumley Castle
Sparky was the star turn at Lumley Castle's latest Talk and Tea event,
mesmerising the guests and putting on a good show for them.
Nearly 60 people came along to enjoy a cream tea in the stunning Garter Suite at historic Lumley Castle. This was Sparky's biggest audience so far on her 'book tour' but she was unfazed by the crowd and happily stole the show during the talk given by Tracey about Sparky's story, their life together and the book she has written sharing their experiences.
Tracey said, "It was a bit nerve-wracking to know so many people were turning out to meet Sparky but at the end of the day I was more anxious about it than she was judging by how she showed off during my talk and reading!"
Fortunately the rain held off and, with winds not too strong, after the talk Tracey was able to give guests the chance to see Sparky in action, flying in the shelter of Lumley's castle walls, a spectacular backdrop for a special bird. Local photographer Shaun Monaghan, who attended the event, captured some stunning images of Sparky and generously granted permission for them to be shared with Sparky's fans. Shaun said, "I like my photography used," adding that it was an honour to have his images of her online. (See photographs below)
Following the event's success Tracey and Sparky are now looking forward to a similar talk and flying display at another grand setting - Preston Park Museum in Stockton. To join Tracey and Sparky for the start of the half term holidays on 24th October please see details below and contact Preston Park to book tickets for what will be Sparky's final public appearance for 2026.
Below: Sparky in action at Lumley Castle. Photographs by Shaun Monaghan (c) 2026
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About
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Tracey Iceton is the author of four previous books. Her Celtic Colours Trilogy (2016-2019, Cinnamon Press ) tells the story of a hundred years of Troubles in Ireland, following one family through four generations of the conflict from the Easter Rising to the Brexit Vote. Rock God Complex: The Mickey Hunter Story (2020, Cinnamon Press) recounts the exploits of Crown & Kingdom’s legendary guitarist Mickey Hunter.
Tracey’s articles and short stories have appeared in national and international journals, magazines and anthologies. She has won or been shortlisted in several notable writing competitions. Her doctorate, Troubles Women (2017, Northumbria University), was a practice-led creative writing project exploring the portrayal of female paramilitary protagonists in Troubles fiction.
Tracey’s latest publication, Sparky: My Barn Owl Story (released 11th May, 2026, Cinnamon Press) is Sparky’s semi-(auto)biographical account of life before, and since, she and Tracey met in 2022.
Formerly an English and creative writing teacher, Tracey continues to work with emerging writers, offering mentoring and editing. But most of her time is divided between home life with her husband, cats and birds of prey, animal rescue volunteering and running, which she took up in case she ever needs to chase a furred or feathered friend.
Please note - book sales at all events are CASH only. Thank you!
Events
PRIVATE EVENTS
If you run a book club, WI/U3A group, a wildlife/bird watching club or any other club/group with a special interest in owls and you would like to hear about Sparky's story at a private event/group meeting or perhaps even meet the star herself (I mean Sparky, of course!) and have chance to see her in action in a mini flying display please get in touch via the contacts page.
Done and Dusted - Thank you for joining us, hope you had a good time. Special thanks if you bought a book from me or a mouse for Sparky.
Book Launch
Friday, 22nd May, 7-9pm Blackwell Grange Hotel, Darlington.
Tracey and Sparky would like to thank everyone who came along to celebrate the launch of Sparky - My Barn Owl Story. Many thanks for the support and especial thanks to those who bought a book or who contributed to Sparky's 'Buy me a mouse' jar.
Author Appearance
Sunday, 24th May, 10am-4pm, Baytree Owl & Raptor Centre, Lincolnshire. Massive thank you to Mark and his team at Baytree Owl and Raptor Centre for their warm welcome and support of Sparky - My Barn Owl Story. It was a great day out - if you live in Lincolnshire and love birds of prey this is the place for you.
Sparky stealing the show at the Blackwell Grange book launch.
Book Stall and Owl Flying Display
Sunday, 7th June, 8.30am-12pm, Sedgefield Farmers Market, The Green, Sedgefield, Stockton on Tees. Free Event.
Huge thanks to Mike, the SDT volunteers and everyone who came along to the market to meet Sparky. Special thanks if you bought a book or treated Sparky to a mouse!
Author Talk, Reading and Book Signing
2pm, Sunday 7th June, Back of Beyond Books, Church View, Sedgefield
A wonderful, intimate event at this fabulous indie bookshop. Many thanks to Lucy and Sarah for their warm welcome and their passion for great books. There are still 2 signed copies of Sparky - My Barn Owl Story in stock so if you didn't get one yet support your local bookshop and pop in for a copy of the book and great coffee!
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Meet the Author
Saturday, 20th June, 10.30am-3.30pm, Potter's World, Lanchester Garden Centre, County Durham. Entry fee to Potter's World applies.
Big thanks to Emma, Lauren and all the team at Potter's World who made me so welcome. A special thank you to Chester the Barn Owl, who is such a lovely friendly chap and happily posed for some photos. If Sparky needs an understudy, I'll be asking you, Chester! Looking forward to being back in July.
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Online Book Launch - Memorable fiction and memoir
Tuesday, 23rd June, 7.30pm (BST) Zoom Event hosted by Cinnamon Press. Thanks to everyone who listened to me reading from and talking about the book and watched Sparky flying - I know that's what you really logged on for! If you missed the event live you can catch up now by clicking on the Cinnamon Press 'watch now' button to see the recording of the whole evening including the wonderful readings from Jan Fortune and Alexina Dalgetty's books.
Author Event
Thursday, 9th July, 7-9pm, Drakes Bookshop, Stockton-on-Tees. Please contact Drakes directly to book, places limited.
Thank you to Mel at Drakes for hosting a lovely event and to everyone who attended and bought a book - first time I've sold out at an event! Hope you all enjoyed meeting Sparky, learning a bit about barn owls and seeing her tuck in to her tea.
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Meet the Author
Saturday, 18th July, 10.30am-3.30pm, Potter's World, Lanchester Garden Centre, County Durham. Entry fee to Potter's World applies.
Another wonderful day chatting to fellow owl fans and being part of the fun at Potter's World. Thanks to Emma, Lauren and the team there and special thanks to Axel, the beautiful resident great grey owl who took an interest in my book even though it wasn't about her!
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Meet the Author
Saturday, 1st August, 11am-3pm, Turbary Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary, Lostock Hall near Preston. Entry fee to Turbary Woods Sanctuary applies.
A wonderful day at a 5* owl sanctuary in tranquil woodland - if you're in Preston and love birds this is the place to go! Huge thanks to Andy and his dedicated, highly-skilled team of volunteers for letting me be part of Turbary for the day. Special thanks to Knowley, the tawny owl, and Casper, an American barn owl cousin of Sparky's for being part of my visit.
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Meet the Author and the star of the book!
Tuesday, 4th August, 10.30am-3pm, World of James Herriot, Thirsk. Entry fee to the World of James Herriot applies.
A fabulous day celebrating International Owl Awareness Day at the home of the world's most famous vet, James Herriot. Massive thanks to Ian, Kate, John, Neil and all the staff and visitors who made this such a special day for Sparky and me. Special thanks to owl lover Niamh and her mum and brother for coming along to meet Sparky.
Meet the Author
Sunday, 16th August, 10.30am-3.30pm, Haggerston Castle Bird of Prey Centre, Haggerston Castle Caravan Park, Berwick-upon-Tweed. Entry fee to the centre applies.
A truly lovely day at a truly magical bird of prey centre in the beautiful walled garden of Haggerston Castle. My gratitude to Andy, Junita and the staff there who all made me feel so welcome. And a special thanks to Nellie, the Melanistic barn owl, who flew just for me and kindly posed for a photo too. She is a very unique barn owl thanks to a rare genetic variation that gives her plumage an amazing dusky colouring. A privilege to meet such an unusual cousin to Sparky.
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Meet the Author
Saturday, 29th August, 11.30am-4pm, Kielder Water Bird of Prey Centre, Leaplish Waterside Park, Northumberland. Entry fee to the centre applies.
A perfect start to the bank holiday weekend thanks to Shane, Ben and the amazing birds of prey at Kielder, especially Terence, the tawny frog mouth who minded the bookstall for me so I could go and watch Spark, the ashy faced barn owl, in action.
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Meet the Author and the star of the book!
Saturday, 5th September, 9am-1pm, Barnard Castle Farmers Market, Horsemarket, Barnard Castle town centre.
A fantastic day at this award-winning farmer's market. Massive thank you to everyone who stopped at the stall to chat about barn owls, buy a book or contribute to Sparky's 'mouse fund' - she'll be well stocked up for winter now.
A special thanks to Richard Laidler, of Middleton Photos who took an amazing portrait shot of Sparky. Check out his work on the link (below) -
his Teesdale calendars are stunning!
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Meet the Author and the star of the book!
Saturday, 12th September, 9am-1pm, Saltburn Farmers Market, Station Square, Saltburn-by-the-Sea.
Another fab farmer's market and Sparky, as usual, drew a lot of interest so huge thanks to everyone who stopped to chat, buy a book or treat Sparky to a mouse. Luckily the rain cleared so, with the support of Saltburn's town allotment, Sparky was able to do a little flying for shoppers too! Special mention for Lorna, market organiser, for letting us have a stall to today and to Tees Cider, who were our neighbours at the market and made us feel right at home amongst the regular stallholders.
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Author talk, reading and flying display
Sunday, 27th September, 2-3.30pm, Lumley Castle, Chester-le-Street. Tickets £14.95, book directly with Lumley Castle.
A sumptuous afternoon at Lumley Castle with Sparky's biggest audience so far. A huge thank you to the 58 people who came along to enjoy a cream tea, meet Sparky and see her flying. Special gratitude to those who bought books or treated Sparky to a mouse and well done to all the young owl fans in the audience who patiently sat through my talk and readings. Extra special thanks to Shaun Monaghan who took some amazing photos of Sparky and has kindly allowed me to share them on my website free of charge (see image, below right, of Sparky enjoying her afternoon tea barn owl style!). Thanks also Jane and Lindsey at Lumley Castle for agreeing to host the event and organising it so efficiently and Tony and his team on the day who worked very hard to make sure everything ran smoothly. This is going to be a tough event to top!
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Author talk, reading and flying display - Sparky's final event of 2026's book tour.
Saturday, 24th October, 11.30am, Preston Park, Stockton-on-Tees.
What a fantastic way to finish Sparky's book tour in one of my favourite venues in my home town. A massive thank you to Ruby, Holly and all the staff and volunteers at Preston Park Museum who worked so hard to make sure today's event went to plan despite the weather. Special thanks to the Museum for letting Sparky fly indoors so people got to see her in action, to everyone who bought a book or treated Sparky to a mouse and to Luke for his lovely drawing of Sparky, done during the talk. Signed copies of the book are available in the gift shop - prefect present for book lovers and bird lovers in time for Christmas!
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Sparky is taking a winter break now but will be out and about again in 2027 at a few more events so if you haven't had chance to meet her and still want to hear about her story check back here in the new year for upcoming events. If you would like Sparky to appear at your event or venue please get in touch using the contact page below.
2027 Events - Details announced from January 2027
Following the success of their book tour in 2026 Tracey and Sparky will be doing a few more, select, events in 2027. Details to be confirmed soon so check back for updates.
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Northern Dales Farmers Market (venue TBC but likely Wynyard Hall, Eaglescliffe or Stewarts Park), Spring 2027
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Fiesta Whitley Bay, Whitley Bay town centre & St Paul's Church grounds, July 2027
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Shotley Bridge W.I., St John's Church Hall, Consett, July 2027 - PRIVATE EVENT
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The World of James Herriot - back by popular demand for International Owl Awareness Day. Come along and meet Sparky plus her friend, Colin, the tawny owl August 2027