Frank Clune went to sea as a teenager and served in both the US Cavalry and the Canadian Mounted Police. He enlisted in the AIF during World War I and was wounded at Gallipoli. Before becoming a prolific author, he tried his hand at a number of occupations including actor, musician, bar attendant and a (mousetrap) salesperson.
The distinction between fact and fiction in Clune's works is often blurred. Clune refers to his novels as works based on historical fact (e.g. Dark Outlaw, Ben Hall the Bushranger); other works he maintains are historical, even while admitting his use of fictional techniques (e.g. The Kelly Hunters).