I agree with Ravenbounduptight that the things you do to yourself can give you an idea of sensations, but not of the experience of Domination and submission. Reading, or watching kinky porn if that's up your alley, is more likely to help you understand your emotional reaction to the idea of submission. But, listen to Denu, who is very wise. The stories are about what, in general, floats your boat, and what those submissive or Dominant emotions might be like. They are NOT blueprints or even vague sketches of real life. Don't be alarmed at things that seem extreme - if they're extreme for you, but you like the general idea, then you'll do something less extreme. But more important, don't be seduced by extreme things that seem very exciting to you. Your fantasies are more likely to be excited by the thought of, say, flaying than your actual experience would be. And, as a newcomer, if your fantasies are excited by the idea of 24/7 TPE Master/slave... don't. Take a lot of time before you let anyone control you.

Not that you seem to need advice to be cautious, but still. There's a lot of sub frenzy out there, and Dom frenzy too one would imagine, so just be aware.