Just think of it as the web 8 years ago. ;-)
To make paragrpahs with an empty line between, use double <br /> codes. (That's the XHTML one, for those using the latest zen cart. Use the old style in earlier versions.)
You pretty much have to add the code for anything beyond plain text. For example, you'll have to use named entities (or numbered ones) for apostrophes, quote marks, m-dashes, etc. You need to use non-breaking spaces to make indentations, and so on.
And of course, you can create and apply custom styles to your text, using a custom style sheet.
HTH
Rob
Breakfast: the most important donut of the day.