After years of writing and reporting as a journalist for television, in print, and at WMRA, Martha Woodroof’s life quickly changed after a cancer diagnosis. Realizing her time was limited, Woodroof turned to writing nonfiction she called “splats.” A new book called Life’s a Wander collects these short essays, with a foreword by her friend Erica Cavanagh, professor of creative nonfiction at James Madison University. Erica will join us for WMRA’s Books & Brews on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 7pm at Pale Fire Brewing in Harrisonburg. Erica will be joined by co-editor Jack Greer and Martha’s daughter Liz Gipson. WMRA’s Chris Boros spoke with Erica and asked her about her memories of being friends with Martha.
