YOUNGSTOWN Poet defies odds to get published

Laura Zarconi already is looking ahead to her next writing projects.
YOUNGSTOWN -- Most 21-year-olds are eager to receive the benefits of being considered an adult: drinking with a legal ID, lowering their car insurance, getting out of school.
It's not too often you find a 21-year-old publishing books.
Laura Zarconi of Youngstown is defying the stereotypes. What began as a hobby in the fourth grade is now making Laura a celebrity.
Her submissions to a contest at Poetry.com have earned her "Poet of the Year" honors in 2000, 2001 and 2002. Her writings also attracted First Books publishing company to the possibilities Laura had to offer.
"I just stumbled into it," the young poet says, acknowledging she didn't even think of someday getting published.
Overcoming skepticism
Diagnosed with a learning disability as a child, she often failed to complete her assignments in school.
"Bored in school" because of her attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, she "just started writing," Laura recalls. Her fourth-grade teacher took her poems from her and graded them, but couldn't help giving her an A+. From then on, she was hooked.
But she hasn't always been acclaimed for her poetry writings. Discouraged by teachers later on, Laura realized that she had to stay determined. She wanted to succeed despite the skepticism.
"It turned into an 'I'm-gonna-prove-you-wrong' type of thing," Laura says. "My teachers thought there was no way I could do it."
Laura attended Chaney High School in Youngstown for a year and a half before deciding to drop out. Her parents tried to home-school her, but nothing seemed to work. She has since received her General Educational Development diploma in 2000 and looks forward to possibly going back to school.
Although she didn't have much support through her academics, Laura said her parents, Anthony and Judy Zarconi of Youngstown, always told her to do what made her happy.
"I'm just thrilled because she was diagnosed with ADHD and had so much trouble in school," her father said. "I'd love to see her pursue this because she has a real gift."
Her writings
Laura was contacted by First Books with an offer to publish a collection of her poems. She received a contract by mail and was eager to sign.
She says she writes "the dark to the happy stuff," including a bit of everything in her 128-page book. The 58 poems are all based on personal experiences and events.
"Poems From the Soul" will be released in bookstores nationwide the second week in July for around $20. It will also be available for purchase over the Internet, in libraries and on cassette.
Presently, Laura enjoys working with a band, Everafter, contacting representatives for them and attending practices. But she hasn't forgotten about writing. Everafter singer Justin Downing, 24, of Youngstown has agreed to help illustrate her second book, which may include a collection of short stories. She also is working on a novel about a rabid rock-star fan.
She says her friends are excited and can't wait for the release of the book. "They're all fighting over who's going to get the first copy," Laura says, laughing.