Abstract: A twist actuated writing instrument comprised of a barrel, a cap, a two-directional cam, and an actuator wherein the barrel, the cap, the two-directional cam, and the actuator axially encase a writing element and a spring and wherein the cap may be rotated in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction relative to the barrel, such that when the cap is rotated in either direction relative to the barrel, the writing element will be advanced to the writing position and when the cap is rotated in the opposite direction relative to the barrel, the writing element will retract.