Self-retaining writing instruments include a bistable metal body that is selectively positionable and retainable in a coiled configuration and alternatively in an elongated configuration, and a writing element, such as a pencil, pen, marker, or stylus, disposed at a first end of the writing instrument. The coiled configuration may be suitable for coiling around an object and the elongated configuration may be suitable for use as a writing instrument. The bistable metal body may be configured to automatically assume the coiled configuration when flexed to a certain degree while in the elongated configuration.