Shonda Rhimes is turning a new page.
The creator of such hit TV shows as Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal has her first book coming out in November, publisher Simon & Schuster officially announced Tuesday. The Year of Yes chronicles a year in which the self-professed introvert said yes to every unexpected invitation that came her way.
“Saying yes for an entire year turned out to be one of the most amazing decisions I have ever made,” Rhimes said in a statement. “It was also a little insane, a lot terrifying and sometimes wildly embarrassing. So this is not a story I ever planned to share with anyone. However, once Simon & Schuster asked me, I had no choice — what else could I say but yes?”
Added S&S editor-in-chief Marysue Rucci, “It’s mind-boggling that the mega-talented Shonda Rhimes, one of the most admired and accomplished women in Hollywood, would feel the need to challenge her status quo. Year of Yes is surprising, hilarious, poignant, and accessible.”
In addition to creating Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal, Rhimes executive produced last season’s freshman hit How to Get Away with Murder and created Grey’s spinoff Private Practice. Next season, she’ll exec produce four shows on ABC’s lineup, including upcoming drama The Catch. She’s been named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time and one of the 50 most powerful women in business by Fortune.
Rhimes has been an outspoken advocate for greater racial and gender diversity in TV, both in front of and behind the camera. Sometimes that advocacy has been by choice and sometimes she has been drawn into it in surprising ways.
Rhimes is repped by ICM and Gendler & Kelly.
