To be a cat

Matt Haig was born in 1975 in Sheffield, and grew up in Newark, Nottinghamshire. He studied at Hull University and Leeds University and currently lives in York. He writes for various national newspapers, including The Guardian and The Independent.

His first novel for children, Shadow Forest, won numerous awards including the Gold Smarties Award and the Blue Peter Book of the Year. His sequel to Shadow Forest is called The Runaway Troll. His latest book is called To Be A Cat.

His novels for adults are the bestseller, The Last Family in England, narrated by a labrador and optioned by Brad Pitt's film company, Plan B; The Dead Fathers Club, an update of Hamlet featuring an 11-year-old boy; and The Possession of Mr Cave, about a man obsessed with his daughter's safety, and currently being adapted for the screen. And the TV Book Club winner, The Radleys.

Admission: by free ticket only, available from www.yorkfestivalofideas.com/tickets