Joanna McClelland Glass

Joanna McClelland Glass is a Canadian-born playwright and novelist whose works often explore family relationships, memory, and the passage of time. Raised in Alberta, she later moved to the United States, where her plays found success on both Canadian and American stages.

Her early work quickly gained critical notice, with plays such as Canadian Gothic and American Modern showcasing her gift for intimate character studies and emotionally resonant dialogue. These works were praised for their poignant examination of identity and cultural roots.

Glass also achieved recognition for Trying, a two-character play based on her own experience as a young secretary to a former U.S. attorney general. The piece was lauded for its humor, warmth, and insight into generational and personal differences.

Her novels, including Woman Wanted, extended her exploration of complex human relationships. This particular work was adapted into a film, further cementing her standing as a versatile storyteller across mediums.

Over her long career, Joanna McClelland Glass has built a body of work that is both personal and universal, marked by quiet humor, emotional clarity, and a deep understanding of human nature.