Can you create a newsletter in Microsoft Publisher WITHOUT using a template?

I was asked to design a layout for a daily newsletter for a nonprofit organization (also to promote an event I am personally super excited about.) Naturally I'm very happy about this opportunity but they require that I create it in Publisher (they would have to update the newsletter frequently and do not have access to Indesign) and I'm used to making layouts in Adobe Indesign. I'm not so much as worried about my lack of experience in Publisher, just that I don't want to use a template and I'm supposed to create a very youthful fun looking design. I guess I'm just kinda disappointed. =/