When I need to drive brass screws into hardwood, I not only drill a pilot hole but I will often also find a comparable steel screw and drive that in first. That expands the hole further and also pre-cuts the treads into the hole so that the brass screw is less likely to break off. A little wax or soap on the screw adds a little extra insurance.
--Nathan, TX. Hire the lazy man. He may not do as much work but that's because he will find a better way.