A writing instrument between a first end and a second end including a writing element configured to transition between a non-writing state and a writing state, a first housing member oriented about at least a portion of the writing element and extending between the first end and the second end of the writing instrument, and an actuator configured to be moved between a first position and a second position, wherein the writing element is configured to transition from the non-writing state toward the writing state when the actuator moves from the first position toward the second position, and the writing element is configured to transition from the writing state to the non-writing state when the actuator moves from the second position toward the first position.