Help!

I have a final in Quark tomorrow, and last night I ran into a couple of
snags. I know this is a simple question, but I'm just a beginner. I've
been lurking on the list and you all seem like an understanding bunch.

1. We have to create a 2 page spread with bleeds on both of the inside
margins. The picture boxes are a standard feature, so they need to go in
the master pages, but I don't see how to create the 1p6 bleed necessary,
as the facing pages are stuck together and there's no room for overhang
in the masterpage view.

Does Quark automatically create this bleed? Or do I have to create it
for each document page? Or do I just overlap the picture boxes in the
masterpages?

There is also a picture that overlaps both pages- bleeds off the right
onto the left.

2. When I tried to insert text into linked text boxes and let Quark add
the pages, it wouldn't. I finally quit Quark, opened a new document,
(fourtunatly I saved my preferences!) and then it worked. Is this a
Quark snafu? Why would it do that? How can I prevent that during the
final tomorrow?

I know, I should have learned this, but it was unclear at the time of
explanation, and flogging my way through the practice final hasn't
helped any. I'd appreciate any help- I've got to pass this class with a
B or better, or I can't go on to the next in the series (and I can't
afford to take it again.)

If my teacher is on this list- she did a great job, I'm just a little
s-l-o-w.

Thanks in advance,

Margaret