Two of the most important inventions in my lifetime were high speed internet and cell phones. Suddenly I did not have to wait for dial up tones or for the landline to be free to get online, and I did not have to stay home to make a phone call. Being able to connect instantly, from almost anywhere, completely changed my everyday life. It also changed my writing and my friendships, because I can share my work online, discover other writers, and stay close to people I care about even when we are far apart.