an automatic writing apparatus includes a plurality of writing elements axially positioned one by one , each of which has a tip portion at the front end and an element cap having a hole for receiving therein the tip portion of an adjacent one of the writing elements ; an outer tube for receiving therein a first and a second ones of the writing elements , wherein the outer tube includes a pen - tip outlet for holding the first one of the writing elements ; and an inner tube for receiving therein the others of the writing elements and propelling the second one of the writing elements toward the pen - tip outlet for replacing the first one of the writing elements .