David Metzenthen

Author

David Metzenthen is a writer of Australian stories for readers aged from six to young adulthood. He has won many prizes for his work and his books have graced many shortlists.

Where were you born?

I was born in Melbourne.

What other jobs have you had?

Builder’s Labourer/Farm Hand/Gardener/Chemical Library Stuffer-Upperer/Chainmen to Surveyor/Advertising Copywriter.

What themes are recurring in your work?

I am interested in writing about what I think matters to all people; the idea of what makes us happy or feel that we are successful. I try to deal with ideas of achievement and I also like to describe the natural world, and derive meaning from it for my characters.

What have been the highlights of your career?

Being published validated my working life, to an extent. I am very happy when what I hoped to write actually makes its way onto the page in a reasonable form.

Where have your work been published?

Australia/America/Asia/New Zealand/Scandinavia/France… though not always in great numbers, I can truthfully say.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about the environment and I am passionate about trying create the best books I am capable of.

Anything else you’d like to share with us?

I am not a book salesman; I am first and foremost a writer, and hope that it is my written work that I am judged on. I also hope to encourage kids to feel the world is a good place, and that it is very important that they read, and if they feel like it, write!