hey it sounds like you are on the right track, have you used the mind maps system??? when i first started i mimd maped a lot and it was amazing really amazing as i flipped through and mad a mind map i found that i knew soooo much of the information. also when you are activating and asking questions allow your mind to relax and allow anythoughts to come to mind as you do you wil find thought and ideas will come, when i photo read a book i get alot of impressions and feelings about the book and what it is saying, i dont remember or see every word bit by bit but if i need to i can go to where it is in the book. i started off in English and now i only photo read Japanese books, from History to Psycoloy. it works just gie it a bit of time play around and dont stress that will freez your brain, also think about you dreams.
well i hope it helps a bit
Aaron