What made you become a writer?

I have always loved books.  What better way to travel,
see and be someone else if you physically can't?  The love
of reading grew into my being a writer because I couldn't always
find the things I wanted to read.  So, I had to write my
own.

What is your latest book about?

My latest full length book is a romantic suspense published
by Silhouette Romantic Suspense and is titled,
"A Serial Affair".  It came
out in June 2007 and was nominated for an Emma award.  It
is about a newly promoted  FBI
violent crimes expert assigned to work a serial killer taskforce
with a Chicago cop with whom she dumped in the past.  One
of the twists is that the serial killer is killing men and all
the victims share some background information with the hero.

 I also have a novella in the Parker Publishing
anthology "Vegas Bites Back", which
came out in January 08.  It is a werewolf romance
anthology.  My novella is the second installment on Kellie
Monroe, a woman raised by her mysterious grandmother who is trying
to find out who she really is and what powers she may possess.  Attacked
by werewolves in the first installment, Kellie is changing and
not necessarily into a werewolf.  In the novella, titled
"The Golden Wolf", Kellie has visions
of her boyfriend's father and several members of the pack being
attacked by a golden wolf and its pack.

What advice or warnings would you give other writers
looking for an agent or publisher?
1. The market is really tight right now and it is harder
than ever to get published, but keep trying.

2.  Try to find published writers who's style/
voice is similar to yours.  Then try to get published
there.

3.  Most fiction publishers make publishing decisions
based on proposals.  This is three chapters and a synopsis. 
You should add a cover letter introducing yourself, any
publishing credits, your contact information, and a shot teaser
paragraph to pique their interest and direct it to a specific
editor.  Get names and contact information for editors from
the Writers Market, available in books stores and libraries. 
You can also check the internet for this information.

4. Warnings: Toughen up because not everyone will love
your work.  Never pay an agent to read your work. 
This is part of their job and you are a prospective client. 
Remember that if you get an agent, they work for you.  Before
you sign with an agent, make sure that the services they will
provide are the ones you want. 

Do you think more writers should pay tithes to their literary
community by doing more events or volunteering themselves to the
community?

I wouldn't consider it a 'tithe', but I do feel that
those who are published should help those who are still trying
to reach that goal.  How much or how little should be
done and exactly what is a very personal thing.  Some
writers have very high profiles and thus more people clamoring
for their time.  Others help the people they come into
contact with.  I do want to add that if you are asking a
lot of advice, help, etc from a published author, the least you
could do is buy a book!    

List your upcoming events or literary endeavors?
 My novella "The Wolf that Wasn't"
will be in the  Vegas Bites Times 3
anthology, coming out in Oct or Nov 08 .

My novella, "Knight on a Jetski"
(working title) will be out in the Parker anthology, What
White Boyz Ride in 2009

I am also co-editing an African American romance anthology
that will be out in late 2009.
What is your website and how can readers contact you?
Email: Natalie@...
       ; website: www.nataliedunbar.com
    Mailing Address : P.O. Box 626, Royal Oak, MI, 48068