The 3 Pillars Most Screenwriters Ignore

BE: “If you keep going like one percent change every single day, in 30 days that’s a 30% change...”

Let’s talk about the three pillars that separate successful screenwriters from the pack…

And why most writers focus on the WRONG ONE.

Brooks Elms, who’s coached some of Hollywood’s top writers, told me:

“If you keep going like one percent change every single day, in 30 days that’s a 30% change. When you do mindset shifting, the growth is exponential.”

Here are the three pillars:

1. Career Strategy

• Most writers obsess over getting an agent
• But even top agents have 90+ clients
• Focus on multiple income streams instead

2. Mindset

• Stop swinging between “I’m the best” and “I’m terrible”
• Reject the “writing is hell” mentality
• Focus on small, daily improvements

3. Craft (surprisingly, the least important)

• Pick ONE system (like Save the Cat)
• Master it completely before experimenting
• “The system is the path through the woods — don’t get the machete out”

The real breakthrough happens when you realize this truth: Success in screenwriting isn’t about dramatic breakthroughs or lightning-bolt moments. Instead, it’s about those tiny 1% improvements compounding day after day.

Your mindset shapes everything else — it’s the foundation that determines whether you’ll stick with those daily improvements or keep waiting for that big break.

So ask yourself:

• Are you waiting for an agent to save you?
• Is your mindset blocking your flow state?
• Have you truly mastered a proven system?

Keep writing,

- Brock Swinson

P.S. Here’s my full audio interview with screenwriter Brooks Elms.

P.P.S. Check out Brooks Elms’ latest program, Protect Your Flame, right here.