Basic emacs lisp question

[Ken]

I want to capture whatever is at point in a file into a variable
something like the following, but it doesn't seem to work. Can any one
suggest what I an doing wrong. It is probably a silly mistake I am
unable to see. I am just learning Emacs lisp.

(defun process-diary-file ()
  "Perform some manipulation of the diary file"
  (interactive)
  (find-file "~/diary")
  (goto-char 1)
  (set a (thing-at-point))
  (message a))

Thanks in advance for your assistance,
Ken


--
Q:      What do you call a WASP who doesn't work for his father, isn't a
        lawyer, and believes in social causes?
A:      A failure.