Zymatt Books: Literary Stars of Tomorrow -Calgary-Based Writer Shortlisted for Commonwealth Writers' Prize

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - Feb. 28, 2011) - Uzoma Uponi, a Nigerian-born Canadian writer, has been shortlisted for the 2011 Commonwealth Writers Prize for her inspirational fiction, ColourBLIND.

Uponi, whose work is one of six nominations in the Africa Best First Book category, immigrated with her family to Canada in 2002 and currently lives and works in Calgary. Her book, ColourBLIND, is a poignant, fast-paced journey into the lives of two African families who must put aside their different perceptions of life, love and religion or run the risk of losing their children. In ColourBLIND, Uponi masterfully weaves the fabrics of contemporary African culture and tradition into a colourful tapestry of timeless wisdom against a backdrop of suspicion, hurt and deception.

The Commonwealth Writers' Prize, internationally recognized for its role in celebrating ground-breaking works from both new and established writers, has played a key role in bringing African literature to an international audience, unearthing compelling stories of human experience. Every year, prizes are awarded to writers from its four regions in two broad categories - Best Book and Best First Book.

The Commonwealth Writers' Prize is now in its 25^th year. The 2011 regional winners will be announced on the 3^rd of March, with the overall winners announced May 21^st at the Sydney Writers' Festival in Australia.

ColourBLIND can be purchased through Zymatt Books (403-971-4493), Amazon (www.amazon.ca), Blessings Marketplace (www.blessings.com) or Essence Publishing (www.essencebookstore.com).