When creating characters for my "A Question of Love" published novel in the Romance genre; and my current 'in progress' draft in the Romance / Mystery genre, I am most definitely not 'looking in the mirror'.
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I can only speak for myself and not for any other author, but when I create a story, and characters, I am in my own world, creating fiction. Each and every character is not based on any experience of mine, or any trait I may have acquired, and entirely a figment of my imagination.
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What will, however, be part of my own experience, is a place, a time, or a career background, even as an observer.
Often there is a misconception by readers, one is using personal experience, due perhaps an author has to explore deep emotions in our main characters' daily lives and conflicts. This is entirely divorced from one's own viewpoints, feelings, morals and even talents and prowess. If I was to define a single point, perhaps that is what makes the encompassing desire 'to write' so completely intriguing.
I for my part cannot sit down with my manuscript and become involved, if there is "stuff" I must deal with at home. It is unlike any other job.