JEN Broomhall is a passionate writer and eco-advocate, whose debut teen fantasy novel, Mermaids No Longer: People of the Sea, is making waves in the literary world. Published by Pegasus Publishers through its children's imprint, Nightingale, the book is the first in a planned three-part series aimed at raising awareness of the environmental issues plaguing our oceans—through the lens of eco-fantasy and mermaid lore.
Set in a world where mermaids exist and live beneath the sea, Mermaids No Longer: People of the Sea introduce readers to a young mermaid protagonist who is struggling with a mysterious problem: her people’s ears are bleeding, and they are growing ill. As the mermaid looks to human allies for help, they begin to uncover the source of the problem—an underground seismic machine causing damage to the delicate underwater environment. As they race to find answers, the story blends elements of magical realism with a pressing ecological message about the destruction of marine habitats.
The first book of the series explores the damage caused by human activity—specifically the noise pollution resulting from seismic testing—and highlights the consequences for marine life. This blend of fiction and environmental advocacy invites readers, particularly young teens, to reflect on their role in protecting the planet.
Broomhall, a lifelong lover of the sea, uses Mermaids No Longer as a platform to promote the importance of caring for our oceans. “The story is meant to raise awareness about the unseen damage to our underwater ecosystems,” Broomhall explains. “By incorporating magic and fantasy elements, I wanted to show how important it is to connect with the land and sea, and how much more there is to our environment than we may realise.”
The novel touches on significant issues, including noise pollution, the impact of human technology on marine species, and the broader environmental crisis, all while keeping readers engaged with an exciting, fantasy-filled adventure. The mermaid protagonist’s journey is both personal and global—a call to action to protect the natural world for future generations.
Broomhall’s path to publication has been a long one, filled with persistence and dedication. She began her writing career in her twenties, attending writers' courses and finding mentorship from well-known Australian author Hazel Edwards. Edwards provided invaluable advice on the importance of persistence in writing, which Broomhall took to heart. “Writing is a long road,” she says, “but you just have to keep putting yourself out there, keep learning, and eventually you find the right publisher, the right support.”
Broomhall spent much of the pandemic writing, using the time to refine her storytelling and weave in the themes of climate change and environmental conservation. “The world was in a kind of quiet during COVID, and it felt like the perfect time to tell a story that emphasises the need for action on climate change,” she notes. “I wanted to create something that spoke to both young readers and adults about the importance of protecting our oceans.”
Now, with Mermaids No Longer making its debut, Broomhall sees her work as both a personal achievement and a step toward a larger goal. She credits much of her success to persistence and the supportive communities she’s found along the way, including the Ibis Writers group and the Phillip Island Artists Society.
Writing has always been her passion, and she continues to balance her creative pursuits with a government career, keeping her writing as a fulfilling hobby. "Writing is where I feel most alive, but it’s not always easy. It requires constant effort, constructive criticism, and vulnerability," she shares. "I’ve learned to embrace feedback and grow from it."
With the first book now available for purchase on Amazon and other platforms, Broomhall is already working on the second instalment of the Mermaids No Longer series, due for release in 2025. "I’ve been writing this series for a while now, and it feels like I’ve only just begun. There’s so much more to say about the world we live in, and I hope my readers feel that too," she says.
Broomhall will continue to advocate for the environment through her writing. Mermaids No Longer: People of the Sea is now available for purchase on Amazon.
