Shonda Rhimes Reveals Which Grey's Anatomy Character She Based on Herself - And Why

Rhimes' familiar, conversational writing style makes the book a more accessible Lean In, a self-help book and personal journal all rolled into one.

[...] the biggest reveal about Year of Yes is that Rhimes - the creator and/or producer of shows including Grey's, Scandal and How to Get Away with Murder, and a one-woman brand who has total ownership over ABC's Thursday night lineup - is, deep down, a very insecure person.

[...] her titular Year of Yes:

Spurred by a muttered remark from her older sister that she "never says yes to anything," Rhimes vows to spend 12 months saying "yes" to everything that will force her out of her comfort zone, be it an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, an invitation to deliver the commencement address at her alma mater Dartmouth College, uncomfortable conversations with friends, or even extra playtime with her children.

Coincidentally, as Rhimes was starting to feel more comfortable with her newfound affirmative attitude, she had to say goodbye to Yang, whom she refers to as one of her Ride or Dies.

Rhimes admits that Meredith's "dark and twisty"-ness are derived from her own personality as well, but it's actually the character of Yang whom Rhimes calls "the walking validation of my dreams."