Just on your novel issue: what you should be doing is posting it not in the sense of a brag/accomplishment, but for publicity so people download/buy your work. I would expect a friend to publicise their novel on Facebook or email me about it. I have one friend who has posted several updates, not spammy, but once in a while if there is new or related news (like he changed his agent, or is writing a new novel, or has published it in a new language, or if there is a topical news article that relates to his book). So it's not: It's: I'm no fan of Facebook, but it's not "sullying" your work to use it as a marketing channel. After all, many of your friends probably have the same interests as you, and may be the perfect target readership.*"I've written a book!"*
*"Here's my book you may wish to read"*