i am a writer and cannot seem to find a way use as a default template a
plain old word document that: indents the first paragraph,
double-spaces and uses times new roman 12 pt.

I have ms basic office 2003. seems to me my old word did this.

p.s. would also love any advice as to how to have a new document appear
without having to go through the multisteps of deciding whether it's a
new doc or folder, etc., i want to create.

thanks anyone!