Using Xara's products is a learning experience for us all.
When discovering a new method or approach, don't be afraid to create a trial design file just for that one purpose.
Doing so forces you into a build-test cycle rather than trying to change everything all at once.

Deconstructing a template is a good place to begin as are all the videos offered by Xara and TGers.

Just don't give up on the tool,
Acorn