ShortScale.org

I want to start building my own pedals. i could probably follow a schematic fine and do a clone and I will do that first to understand pedal building, but I am definitely interested in designing my own circuits. How would I learn how each component interacts with one another to create specific sounds? I can't seem to find any books on it. Thanks.

Google for "Electronics theory" or "electronics tutorial" and you'll find free on-line stuff such as:
http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/
http://www.electronicstheory.com/COURSE ... e101-1.htm
http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/