The Tears of the Singers
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| Author | Melinda M. Snodgrass |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Series | Star Trek: The Original Series |
| Genre | Science fiction novel |
| Publisher | Pocket Books |
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Publication date
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15 August 1984 |
| Media type | Print (paperback) |
| Pages | 252 pp |
| ISBN | (first edition, paperback) |
| OCLC | 227005250 |
| Preceded by | My Enemy, My Ally |
| Followed by | The Vulcan Academy Murders |
The Tears of the Singers is a Star Trek: The Original Series novel written by Melinda M. Snodgrass. It was her first and only Star Trek novel, which led to Snodgrass writing for Star Trek: The Next Generation. Writer Victor Milan was also involved in the initial discussion of the plot for the novel.
Captain Kirk and the USS Enterprise joins with the Klingons to investigate a spatial anomaly that has already swallowed one starship. Kirk suspects the problem has something to do with the nearby life forms on Taygeta V, beings which are preyed upon for the jewels they secrete at the moment of their death. Unfortunately a Klingon officer has mutiny on his mind and the anomaly threatens to destroy all of known space.
Snodgrass was a fan of Star Trek: The Original Series and, after quitting her previous job at a law practice, her friend Victor Milan suggested that she try to become a writer. Milan proposed that she should write a novel about Star Trek. Despite Snodgrass not being on the list of approved authors, her outline was purchased by David G. Hartwell. Snodgrass and Milan discussed ideas and she decided that she would go with a softer, more friendly story along the lines of the episodes "The Trouble With Tribbles" or "The City on the Edge of Forever". Her inspiration for the aliens in the book was because she "couldn't think of anything softer or fuzzier than baby white seals".
Snodgrass wanted Uhura to be central to the book, partially in an attempt to market the book as the character had not been prominently featured in other Star Trek stories. The musical elements added to the character came from Snodgrass' experiences as a musician and singer. A second Uhura-based book, entitled Uhura's Song was released two books later in the numbered series.
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