First, you learn parsing, then you learn what actually makes a language tick. Then you learn what goes into the design process, when you realize you've designed yourself into a corner. Then you start reading up on language design, stumble across sites like Lambda-the-Ultimate.org, and find out that there is a lot more than imperative / OO programming. Then you start getting into the Lisp literature, and reach a zen-like state. Then you snap back to reality, and become a slightly better programmer, who is a bit more humble.
Or (more likely, in my experience) you throw together a parser and then expand into a rudimentary interpreter/compiler and continue along your merry way having essentially reinvented some language you already knew with a few superficial differences.
Or (more likely, in my experience) you throw together a parser and then expand into a rudimentary interpreter/compiler and continue along your merry way having essentially reinvented some language you already knew with a few superficial differences.