Arlington Hts. author winning acclaim for first novel

Around the halls of the Arlington Heights Senior Center, Barbara Binns is something of a celebrity.

Though she likes to keep a low profile in her role as a volunteer in the Arlington Heights Memorial Library's computer room, she won't be able to escape the limelight much longer.

Binns' first novel which she literally wrote on Senior Center computers comes out Wednesday.

Called “Pull,” the contemporary young adult story published by WestSide Books explores the emotions of 17-year old David, whose world implodes when his father murders his mother.

The book follows his journey as he sacrifices his own goals to protect his orphaned sisters. When one of his sisters is attacked, he is forced to confront the fear that he will follow in his father's violent footsteps.

Early reviews have been positive, especially from young readers, Binns says, and her agent acknowledges that there has been interest from film and TV producers.

All this for a shy, first-time author, who says the hardest part about the publishing process has been forcing herself to come out from behind the computer and promote her book.

“It's loosely based on my own life,” says Binns, who made a career as an information technology specialist with AT&T, before retiring three years ago. “My parents went through a divorce when I was a kid, and as the oldest I experienced some of the same conflicting emotions that David has.

“But I never experienced the kind of domestic violence and anger that escalates in this story,” she adds.

Andrea Somberg, her New York-based agent with the Harvey Klinger Agency, discovered Binns when she served as a judge the Golden Rose Contest in Portland, Ore.

“There were so many things about the manuscript that I loved,” Somberg said. “The powerful writing, the high-tension premise, and the multidimensional aspects of both the characters, and their conflicts.” 

Patrons at the Senior Center have not read the novel yet, but they are eagerly awaiting its release next week.

“Everyone's talking about it,” says Becky Hume, volunteer coordinator. “She's inspiring people around here.”

Those interested in meeting Binns will have the chance at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 9, when she headlines a Senior Center program sponsored by the Arlington Heights Memorial Library, called “Getting in Print.”

As an outgrowth from the book, 5 percent of the proceeds from its sales that day will benefit domestic violence victims, served by Women In Need Growing Stronger, or WINGS.