Thirteen years ago, working for a small town news daily near Santa Fe, when I came up with an idea I thought would explode into popularity. I would create a column for and by Fangirls, a demographic I found to be quickly rising and vastly underrepresented. I came up with my own logo, wrote a few columns (comic book biggies like Geoff Johns and Darick Robertson were even kind enough to return some interview questions I threw to the masses), put together some nice PR packages and spent a paycheck’s worth of postage mailing syndicates and publishers.

They were all in agreement that I had a “really good idea” that wouldn’t have “enough interest to be worth running.”

Needless to say, I was a little disappointed and quite a bit peeved that no one had the foresight see this growing trend of proud, smart and nerdy women. I went on with my geeky lifestyle and had almost forgotten my dream until fangirl extraordinaire Ashley Eckstein announced on her Facebook page a site called ihogeek.com needed writers.

Hey, why not?

I sent them my info and site co-founders Leia Calderon and Kimmie Britt were terrific enough to take on this 44-year-old perpetual child. For more than a year, I have been part of their world, making friends from all of the country thanks to fellow past and current writers, Jen, Kaitlyn, Max, Johnny, Nesto, Ashly, Tushar, Samuel, Colby, Richard and anyone else I might have left out.

The site proved to be an incredible opportunity for creative freedom. It was also an unexpected venue for exposure to newer and bigger audiences. Last week, I was picked up by the “Geek Mom” site, formerly with Wired Magazine, but now run independently. I knew then I had to make a tough decision, but one I knew had to include having enough time be both a good mom and a good geek. Ergo, I have to lighten my responsibilities, and say goodbye to the site I love…at least as a regular contributor.

Although I encourage you all to check in with me at geekmom.com, I remain eternally thankful for the awesomeness which is International House of Geek and its writers (keep my dragon egg going viral, guys).

I will completely, honestly and thoroughly miss being a regular contributor to this site, but will always consider myself a part of this wonderful, over-the-top family that gave me a chance share my geeky love with the cyber world. I might not ever meet all of these guys in person, but I am so blessed to have them in my life.

I love you all: readers, fellow writers, and those creative minds who contributed to my writings with their art and comments.

In the words of my Ninth Doctor: “You were fantastic. Absolutely Fantastic! And, you know what? So was I!”

Lisa Kay Tate