After completing his schooling in Melbourne, Metzenthen travelled to New Zealand where he worked in a range of jobs including gardener, grave-digger and hotel porter. On his return to Australia, Metzenthen worked as a copywriter for Radio 3DB, for Grundy Television and for Myer. He then decided to pursue writing full-time. Metzenthen's books found a ready market among primary school aged and adolescent readers. His stories combine an easy-to-read writing style with an ability to use his life experiences.